Elder abuse is a serious and growing problem worldwide, although the magnitude and extent of the elder abuse cases occurring is not well known. The World Health Organization (WHO) data shows that 1 in 6 people aged over 60 or 141 million people globally are targeted by some forms of elder abuse but it is assumed that the numbers are much higher. Elder abuse is not a new phenomenon, but only in the recent years is gaining greater recognition as significant health and the social problem for our society, due in part to our ageing demographics.
Elder abuse is an infliction of any harm to an older person. The effects of elder abuse can be dramatic due to the serious potential problems which can arise when a senior is physically or emotionally harmed. As elder people become weaker physically, they are less able to defend themselves from abuse or bullying. If they have mental conditions, this leaves them especially vulnerable to be taken advantage of, especially financially. Elderly with developmental or cognitive disabilities may have difficulty distinguishing between normal caregiving and those that are assaulting. In general, older adults have less physical strength and the less physical and mental resilience to the abuse.
Elderly people’s vulnerabilities are increased by their reluctance to report abuse or negligence. Many seniors will not report their abuse, even if they are able to do so. Many do not trust their own feelings of having been assaulted, do not recognize the situation as abusive, or may feel overwhelming shame or guilt. Or, they could be afraid if they make a report it will get back to the abuser and make the situation worse. Elder abuse will not stop on its own. Someone else needs to step in and help.
We all know that elder abuse is happening more frequently than is recognized or reported. Elder abuse and neglect are unacceptable. It is not just a problem for an older person experiencing abuse and her or his immediate surroundings but also for the society at large. All of us have older relatives, parents and grandparents, friends who may be affected by some form of abuse or neglect. If you suspect or witness elder abuse, it’s important to speak up against it. If we don’t make changes now, then we will face these same issues as we age. It’s time for elder abuse to come out of the shadow and to be defeated. Do not be afraid to make your voice loud for any case where you believe a vulnerable senior has been suffering abuse. Do not hesitate to report it immediately to the police, health care providers, social services, legal professionals, family members if abuse takes place outside of senior’s home, members of faith communities or other authorities.
It is imperative that we all take responsibility to prevent elder abuse and assist seniors who are at risk or are experiencing abuse. Abuse rarely stops without intervention and it is important for vulnerable older adults who cannot help themselves to receive help from people around them. Recognizing and addressing elder abuse is fundamental to honouring the dignity and universal human rights of seniors and is a responsibility all of us.