Elder abuse

The abuse of older adults occurs all too frequently but remains a largely hidden problem. Elder abuse is an intentional act, or failure to act, by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust that causes harm to an adult 60 years and older. It is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations. Elder abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences, increased risk of nursing home placement, use of emergency services, hospitalization and death.

Promising prevention and response strategies include:

professional awareness campaigns to help health care workers recognize elder abuse
caregiver support to reduce stress and training on dementia
residential care policies to define and improve standards of care.

In May 2016, the World Health Assembly adopted a Global strategy and action plan on ageing and health that provides guidance for coordinated action in countries on elder abuse that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals.

In line with the Global strategy WHO and partners collaborate to prevent elder abuse through initiatives that help to identify, quantify, and respond to the problem, including:

Elder abuse

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The abuse of older adults occurs all too frequently but remains a largely hidden problem. Elder abuse is an intentional act, or failure to act, by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust that causes harm to an adult 60 years and older. It is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations. Elder abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences, increased risk of nursing home placement, use of emergency services, hospitalization and death.

Elder abuse