Elder abuse: A Mini Review

Abstract

There is an increasing interest in social, clinical, and public health research on elder abuse. Recent studies show a wide prevalence range of figures because studies employ different populations, measures, and definitions of abuse. The prevalence rate of elderly people abuse is between 2% and 44%. It is one of the most hidden modes of interfamily conflict, and the strategies of recognition of this problem as a social and global phenomenon are still meager. The lack of adequate guidelines related to this major public health issue make it difficult to early evaluate and recognize elderly abuse, as its often confused with the aging process. For these reasons, healthcare professionals should be more aware to this issue, to screen elderly abuse and to develop strategies to early detect the risk factors for elder abuse.