Elder abuse in the rural context in times of COVID-19: old and new emergencies

Abstract

Objective to expand the debate on factors present in the daily life of rural older adults in Brazil, which contribute to the increase in elder abuse (EA) in the pandemic. Method a theoretical-reflective study, which presents the Brazilian National Comprehensive Health Policy for Rural and Forest Populations and the Vulnerability Theory as frameworks, proposed by Ayres, that seek to understand the exposure of individuals to aggravating health outcomes. The development was based on national and international literature, and was organized by the guiding axis “vulnerabilities, formal and informal networks of protection against EA: reflections in times of the COVID-19 pandemic in a context of rurality”. Results the social distancing necessary for mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic may be negatively impacting rural older adults facing EA. It is believed that the set of strategies of formal and informal networks has not adequately met older adults’ needs in rural areas. Final considerations and implications for practice it is of fundamental importance that, amidst the coronavirus pandemic, strategies are implemented for maintenance and expansion of the formal and informal network social equipment of protection against EA, taking into account rural people’s needs.