Understanding elder abuse: a social rights perspective

Abstract

Elder abuse is generally understood in terms of the types of abuse that older people can be subjected to – financial, physical, psychological, sexual, and neglect. However, these definitions often fail to take into account the broader social context in which elder abuse is allowed to occur. Older people are rarely asked about what elder abuse means to them but when they are, they define it in societal terms – social exclusion, the belittling of their views and contribution, and violation of their rights. An effective approach to elder abuse requires intervention at a societal level to combat ageism and age discrimination.