Elder Abuse in Communities of Color in the United States: A Literature Review

Abstract

Elder abuse is a significant major problem in today’s society, and it affects older adults across all racial, ethnic, and cultural groups and globally. Most of the research on elder abuse often focuses on White, middle-class individuals. However, responding to elder abuse necessitates an understanding of elder abuse within different racial and other communities. This review examined the existing literature on the nature, extent, and responses to elder abuse within communities of color. It highlighted gaps in the knowledge and awareness of elder abuse within communities of color and the disparities in responses to elder abuse in these communities. It also indicated a lack of an agreed uniform definition of elder abuse, a lack of a multicultural framework for examining elder abuse among these groups, and the need for more research and culturally appropriate interventions to address elder abuse in these communities. Recommendations for research and practice are included.