JEFFERSON CITY – Each year, an estimated 5 million older adults are abused, neglected, bullied or exploited, Department of Health and Senior Services information states. Launched in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is meant to serve as a means to unite communities around the world and raise awareness about elder abuse. Each June 15, the day serves as a call to action for individuals, organizations and communities to raise awareness about the abuse, neglect and exploitation of elders. “Elder abuse affects older people across all socioeconomic groups, cultures and races, and can occur anywhere when they are disconnected from social supports – in a person’s home, in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other institutional settings or in hospitals,” Melanie Highland said. Highland directs the Division of Senior and Disability Services for the Missouri…