Final answer:
Elder abuse refers to the mistreatment of older people, encompassing physical, sexual, psychological/emotional abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. The term 'ageism,' introduced by Dr. Robert Butler, describes discrimination and stereotyping based on age, contributing to elder abuse.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mistreatment of older people initially referred to is known as 'elder abuse,' a major social problem that includes various forms of maltreatment endured by the elderly population. This issue has become more pronounced following the shift from agrarian to industrial societies, where older individuals are often seen as burdens due to their decreasing physical capabilities and increasing dependency for care. Dr. Ron Acierno's 2009 study highlights five major categories of elder abuse: physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, neglect, and financial abuse. Additionally, the term ageism coined by Dr. Robert Butler in 1968, refers to the stereotyping and discrimination that the elderly face, which can contribute to the broader spectrum of elder mistreatment.