Problem
Abusive treatment of the aged
Experimental visualization of narrower problems
Other Names:
Negligent old age careMistreatment of the senile
Maltreatment of the aged
Abuse of the elderly
Nature:
Abuse of an elderly person in many cases remains a silent affliction, as the victim is often kept quiet by growing dependence on his abuser for food, shelter and transportation. Such abuse may include neglect, hitting, stealing, restraint, inducement of mood-altering drugs and lack of sufficient food and hygienic care. Abuse and continued silence may perpetuate a cruel cycle of helplessness and guilt, which may be masked behind the walls of a family dwelling or nursing home. Often the perpetuators of elderly maltreatment are adult children with social, mental, drug or alcohol related problems. Money is often at the root of the problem, with old people being forced to sign cheques, having pensions or possessions stolen or forced to hand over their legacy before they die.
Incidence:
A 1991 USA report indicates approximately 2.5 million Americans over the age of 60 suffer psychological, physical or financial abuse. Some 86% of those abused in the USA were victims of their own family members.
Broader Problems:
AgeismCrueltyAbuse of power Narrower Problems:
GerontocideAbandoned elderlyNeglect of the agedUnderprescription of drugsExploitation of the elderlyPhysical abuse of the elderlyNeglect of elderly in institutional careOvermedication of the elderly Related Problems:
Dependency of the elderlyInadequate income in old ageSocial isolation of the elderlyInadequate housing for the agedInadequate welfare services for the agedSusceptibility of the old to physical ill-health Reduced By:
GerontocracyStrategies:
Neglecting the elderlyReporting negligent old age careCorrecting mental disorders of the agedAbusing family membersRequiring the elderly to die References:
Anetzberger, Georgia J: The Etiology of Elder Abuse by Adult OffspringQuinn, Mary J and Tomita, Susan K: Elder Abuse and Neglect: causes, diagnosis and intervention strategiesSchlesinger, Ben and Schlesinger, Rachel: Abuse of the Elderly: issues and annotated bibliography Subject(s):
Health Care → CareMedicine → Gerontology
Societal Problems → Irresponsibility
Societal Problems → Maltreatment
Society → Elderly
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
D: Detailed problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST