<i>Elder maltreatment likely to increase with ageing populations</i>
Maltreatment of elderly people is an important public health problem. While there is little information regarding the extent of maltreatment in elderly populations, especially in developing countries, it is estimated that 4-6% of elderly people in high-income countries have experienced some form of maltreatment at home. However, older people are often afraid to report cases of maltreatment to family, friends, or to the authorities.
Elder maltreatment is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person. This type of violence constitutes a violation of human rights and includes physical, sexual, psychological, emotional; financial and material abuse; abandonment; neglect; and serious loss of dignity and respect.
Key Facts
* Around 4-6% of elderly people have experienced some form of maltreatment at home. * Elder maltreatment can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences. * Elder maltreatment is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations. * The global population of people aged 60 years and older will more than double, from 542 million in 1995 to about 1.2 billion in 2025. Source: World Health Organisation
* Around 4-6% of elderly people have experienced some form of maltreatment at home. * Elder maltreatment can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences. * Elder maltreatment is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations. * The global population of people aged 60 years and older will more than double, from 542 million in 1995 to about 1.2 billion in 2025. Source: World Health Organisation
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