Introduction
Elder people abuse is a global problem of the current time. The study of the scale of this phenomenon has been devoted to the works of many scientists and organizations from different countries. Against the background of the lack of statistical information about the state of this segment in socially disadvantaged groups, statistics have caused deep concern among representatives of the authorities of different countries. Abuse of older people has widespread physical, mental, and economic consequences, forming the need for long-term rehabilitation.
General Assumptions
Neglect, bullying, and abusive behavior towards the population of 60 years and older are defined as actions or inactions that can cause serious damage to the person. In fact, such behavior consists of the violation of various rights and freedoms, but it is problematic to formalize legally such cases nowadays (Jackson, 2018). It is necessary to note that physical, psychological, and financial pressure towards older adults can be observed both within the family and in different social institutions. Agents of abuse are relatives, medical workers, and members of the service staff of boarding houses and homes for the elderly.
Actions aimed at restricting the freedoms of this segment of people can include violence, insults, blackmail, manipulation, and other types and forms of humiliation of personal dignity. However, the issue of actions against older people is currently underestimated (Jackson, 2018). Human rights organizations are more often inclined to consider cases in which there was an obvious active violent activity towards the victims. Nevertheless, such manifestation of abuse as neglect has a rather large scale and is also capable of global physical, mental, financial, and social problems in the life of an older adult.
At the physiology level, such actions manifest in the lack of care for relatives or patients in need of care for medical reasons. Many older adults do not receive medication or basic nursing care, and as a result, their morale also deteriorates. Neglect often manifests itself psychologically in the form of a lack of attention, communication, and advocacy for the person when it is essential. Numerous relatives refuse to come to the aid of older people when the latter become victims of deception or fraud.
The Key Reasons
The main reason why the problem of abuse and neglect is so widespread is that this group is vulnerable. Studies show that the population over 60 has more than half the level of legal literacy of younger participants (Jackson, 2018). Moreover, the ability of older people to protect their interests is limited by their adverse physical condition. Hiring an attorney or official representative in court is often too costly.
Possible Solutions
For the statistics of abuse to be reduced across the board, several global measures must be taken. First, it is necessary to provide human rights organizations with as much information as possible about where this phenomenon is most prevalent. As noted above, there is a great lack of data on the quality of care for elderly patients in many nursing homes. Moreover, there is a need for government officials to increase oversight of the activities of organizations that work with the population over 60 years of age (Jackson, 2018). A significant step would be the opening of educational programs allowing older people to know more about their rights and how to protect them also in family relationships.
Conclusion
Thus, one can say that the problem of people being neglected for over 60 years is underestimated. The lack of information about the activities of individual organizations does not allow sociologists to draw a complete picture. However, the data already available is sufficient to show a high level of concern for the well-being of the elderly population in many countries. For this population to feel safe and secure in their families and various organizations, many extensive normative and organizational measures need to be taken.
Reference
Jackson, S. L. (2018). Understanding elder abuse: A clinician’s guide. American Psychological Association.