Elder abuse

Abstract

Elder abuse is a recognized international public health problem, affecting more than ten percent of older adults aged 60 years and older around the world. Defined by the Toronto Declaration as physical, psychological and financial abuse as well as intentional and unintentional neglect, mistreatment of older adults by trusted others can result in poor health, mental anguish and even destitution and death of affected older adults. The World Health Organization proposes ageism as a key driver of elder abuse. It is also defined as a violation of human rights, and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, a non-governmental organization (NGO) with special consultative status conferred by the United Nations, supports research, advocacy and education to address this with member states and other NGOs. Scholarship has identified gender equity issues, victim and abuser characteristics, resilience and vulnerability factors, intervention strategies, cultural differences and other variables related to abuse of older adults. Future directions build on the public health model of understanding and addressing violence against people of all ages.