Understanding elder abuse and neglect in aging Chinese immigrants in Canada

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to review and discuss existing literature and available research findings related to understanding elder abuse and neglect in culturally diverse communities, particularly the Chinese immigrant community in Canada. The conceptual understandings of elder abuse are examined, based upon the socio-cultural context and challenges faced by aging Chinese immigrants. Design/methodology/approach -Previous literature and research publications related to elder abuse and neglect related to Chinese in Canada were reviewed and synthesized. Statistical information and research findings were summarized to illustrate the socio-cultural context that defines elder abuse and neglect experienced by aging Chinese immigrants in Canada. Findings -From a culturally diverse perspective, influence of race, ethnicity, immigrant status, and cultural norms on the recognition, identification, prevention and intervention of elder abuse and neglect are important to consider. A key message for professionals working with the aging population, particularly older immigrants from ethno-cultural minority background, is that understanding the social cultural context in which elder abuse or neglect emerges is critical. For many of the aging Chinese immigrants in Canada, the socio-cultural circumstances that they have experienced, their social environment, and various barriers and challenges further prevent them from being aware of this emerging concern. Cultural norms and practices have played a critical role in their access to preventive and intervention services. Research limitations/implications -Although this paper is not based upon a particularly empirical research study, the research and literature synthesized are both empirically and conceptually based. As indicated in the review of previous research publications on the subjective matter of elder abuse and neglect in aging Chinese immigrants in Canada is limited. Research on various issues related to elder abuse and neglect in ethno-cultural minority communities is also relatively scant. Evaluation research on prevention and intervention programs is desperately needed so as to facilitate the further establishment of best practice prevention and intervention models that are culturally appropriate and effective. While research engagement with minority groups such as the aging Chinese immigrants who do not speak English or are not familiar with the research culture in the western civilization could be challenging, academic researchers and service providers in both the mainstream and ethno-cultural minority communities should further align themselves in practice-research partnership endeavors to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the aging vulnerable individuals could be better maintained. Practical implications -In order to provide culturally competent services, service providers should be aware of cultural differences in attitudes towards elder mistreatment, including the ways in which specific types of abuse (e.g. financial abuse) are defined within ethno-cultu...

Travesty of Life Elders Abuse an Inquiry of Physical and Psychological Abuse

“…There are evidences that older people like to settle finally in the set up conducive for older adults. However, it has been observed that the older adults may be abused in domestic as well as institutional setting (Lai et al, 2014 ). In most of the cases it is exercised by the person on whom he or she relies for physical and psychological support.…”

“…Some studies suggest that the abuse towards women is high (Lai, 2004 ; Lai & Chau, 2007 ). However, in most of the cases it is in the cases of intimate partner abuse (Lai et al, 2014 ). Moreover, the age of the person is also one of the responsible factors for increased chances of elder abuse.…”

“…As per a study conducted by Lai ( 2007 ), Chinese women faces mental stress and lack of social support and they face physical and mental health issues more than the Chines men (W.L. Lai et al, 2014 ). On the basis of gender, women tend to face higher abuse or mistreatment or elder abuse in the form of intimate partner violence (IPV).…”

“…It has been observed that persistent ‘elder abuse’ result in not only physical and psychological distress but also reduces overall quality of like, self-confidence, self-esteem, autonomy and alike (W.L. Lai et al, 2014 ). The ageing makes elders weak as metabolic activity of the body diminishing and required energy for body start decreasing.…”

“…On the basis of gender, women tend to face higher abuse or mistreatment or elder abuse in the form of intimate partner violence (IPV). Such mistreatment may be attributed to patriarchy and high masculine society (W. L. Lai et al, 2014 ). Bennett et al ( 2000 ) analyzed that between the year 1997 to 1999, a 1085 women and 336 men called at elder people helpline.…”