Psychological Abuse Among Elderly People

Abstract

Abuse and neglect of the elderly people is not a new phenomenon. The problem is likely to grow with the increasing population of elderly people who may face the highest risk of abuse and neglect. Most discussions of the abuse of the elderly have discussed physical abuse which frequently leaves visible scars, broken bones or bruises where as in psychological abuse scars are may be not visible. Psychological abuse occurs when a care giver causes emotional pain or stress to an elderly people. A care giver may be a family member or a person who is responsible for taking care of elderly person. The care giver may insult, humiliate, threaten or harass the elderly person through words or actions. The abuser may also ignore the person or isolate him or her from the friends, family members or regular activities. The elderly people rights may be limited, ignored or taken from them even if they are capable of thinking and acting for themselves. Psychological abuse includes shouting and bullying, insults or name calling, abandonment, threats of violence, intimidation or belittling, humiliation, harassment, treating elderly people like child or inappropriately infringing on their privacy. Psychological abuse also affects the mental health of the elderly people. There are also many barriers due to which elderly people suffer in silence. This research paper analyzed researches on the prevalence and risk factors, impact of psychological abuse and barriers in seeking help. Implication of this paper will open the door for designing different intervention against psychological abuse among elderly people.