Final answer:
Elder abuse encompasses various forms of mistreatment by a caretaker and affects about one in ten elderly people. Contributing factors include a caregiver's personal history and the elderly individual's condition. Underreporting is common, suggesting the actual prevalence may be higher.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elder abuse refers to situations where a caretaker, who could be a family member, health professional, or a care facility employee, intentionally harms or neglects an older person under their care. It is a significant and growing problem, with studies suggesting that about one in ten elderly people have experienced at least one form of abuse. This abuse can take on many forms, including physical, sexual, psychological or emotional, neglect, and financial exploitation.
Specifically concerning physical abuse, it was found that dependency by family members on the elder, such as financial reliance, increases the likelihood of abuse. Furthermore, paid caregivers are more likely to neglect the elderly, and those with health issues such as dementia are at increased risk. Older women, in particular, are more often victims of verbal abuse than men.
In the larger context, like child abuse, elder abuse crosses socioeconomic, education, ethnic, and cultural lines. It is influenced by factors such as social isolation, depression, and past history of mistreatment. Addressing these issues requires widespread awareness and action, as well as policies focused on protecting the vulnerable elderly population.