What is known about the abuse of older adults?

It is hard to find reliable information on this type of abuse. It is impossible to compare what studies have found. This is partly because each study defines the age group differently. They may also define abuse differently.

Still, there is some information available. It is known that most victims are mentally competent and do not need constant care. Also, those who have mental or physical disabilities are at greater risk.

Why do many older adults not report abuse?

Probably more older adults are abused than we know. This is because many hesitate to tell anyone. Many do not take any action against their abusers.

There are many reasons for this. An older adult who is being abused may:

• be embarrassed or ashamed
• be afraid of what the abuser will do to them if they report the abuse
• feel that the police and social services cannot really help them
• fear being rejected by loved ones
• worry that they will be put in an institution.

Who is likely to cause this abuse?

Most often the abuser is a family member or someone the person knows and trusts. For example, in one study more than half of older men were abused by their adult children. For older women, it was most often a spouse (42%) or their children (37%).

When an older person suffers violence from a family member, it is most likely by the children. This was true in almost half the cases. In more than eight out of ten cases, sons committed these crimes.

An older person can also be abused by:

• A landlord
• Staff in a facility
• Anyone working for them.

How do I recognize abuse of older adults?

Older adults who are abused may:

• Be depressed, fearful or anxious
• Seem more passive than normal
• Have injuries that aren’t explained
• Look like they aren’t eating or getting enough fluids
• Have poor hygiene, rashes or sores
• Look like they are on too much medication.

There are other signs of abuse of older adults. For example, if money or personal items go missing for no reason, it may be because of abuse.

No one should jump to conclusions. Still, we need to take signs and symptoms seriously. Someone could just be neglecting themselves. But it could also turn out to be abuse.

An abused older person often needs the same type of support as an abused woman. Go to Question #4 to learn about specific ways you can help.

References

Advocacy Centre for the Elderly and Community Legal Education Ontario. Elder Abuse: the Hidden Crime, 1998.

Canadian Centre for Justice. Uniform Crime Reporting Survey (UCRII), 1996.

Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick. Abuse and Neglect of Seniors and People with Disabilities and Seniors, 1998. 

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This question was prepared for the Canadian Health Network by Education Wife Assault and the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence.
Created: April 1999