Final answer:
Elder abuse refers to the mistreatment or neglect of elderly individuals and includes various forms of abuse such as physical, sexual, emotional, and financial harm, as well as neglect. It is a significant social issue that impacts the health and well-being of older adults.B is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The physical or psychological mistreatment or neglect of elderly individuals is known as elder abuse. This term encompasses a range of harmful behaviors, including physical, sexual, emotional or psychological abuse, neglect or failure to provide adequate care, and financial exploitation or abuse. Dr. Ron Acierno's research identified these as major categories of elder abuse, which can occur in various settings, such as in the home by family members or caregivers or within institutional settings such as nursing homes.
Elder abuse is a serious social issue with significant negative impacts on the health and well-being of older adults. The risk of elder abuse can increase under certain circumstances, such as when the elderly become physically frail and dependent on others, or when there is a history of depression in the caregiver. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) also highlights abandonment and self-neglect as forms of elder abuse and educates the public on recognizing signs and symptoms of such mistreatment.
In summary, it is essential to understand the seriousness of elder abuse and to recognize it in its various forms. By being aware of its existence and impact, we can better protect the elderly population from harm.