Elder Abuse and Older Women’s Vulnerability: A Growing Concern in Bangladesh

Abstract

Older persons both men and women are vulnerable to mistreatment in many societies, mainly due to their age and gender identity and extreme poverty. Elder abuse, especially neglect, financial or psychological mistreatment are much more common nowadays in Bangladesh. Researchers have identified that older women are the worst victim of elder abuse, which has a consequential impact on older women’s life and mental health condition. This paper will focus on issues of elder abuse and their vulnerability among older women in Bangladesh. While social, familial, psychological and circumstantial factors explain the nature and pattern of elder abuse, social awareness and governmental and institutional support are considered key measures to address those issues. There are various safety measures, and strategies are envisaged which includes appropriate legislation and policy guidelines, increasing knowledge base and public awareness about the elder abuse, training and capacity building of caregivers, treatment and empowerment of the victims and vulnerable groups.