The silent struggle: Revealing the realities of elder abuse

Abstract

Elderly abuse, often referred to as “silent suffering,” is an increasingly critical yet under-recognized social and public health issue affecting older adults worldwide. It involves various forms of maltreatment including physical, sexual, emotional, financial abuse and neglect that threaten the dignity, security and well-being of older individuals. This article explores the complex dimensions of elder abuse by examining its occurrence, causes, risk factors far-reaching consequences through a review of national and international studies. Elder abuse is most often committed by close family members, particularly sons and daughters-in-law and is more prevalent among women, individuals with poor health, lower education levels those living in dependency or isolation. The impacts are both severe and enduring, manifesting as physical injury, psychological trauma, social withdrawal economic deprivation. Despite its widespread occurrence, elder abuse remains significantly underreported because of cultural stigma, fear of retaliation lack of awareness. This article emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies, such as public awareness campaigns, caregiver support, legal safeguards improved healthcare training, to identify, prevent address this pressing issue. Promoting dignity, respect protection for older adults is essential for building an inclusive and compassionate society in which aging is viewed as a valued stage of life rather than a burden.