Psychologie et Psychiatrie : Libre accès

Abstrait

Knowledge Transfer of Existing Tool on Detection of Elder Abuse & Neglect from Canada to Israeli Society

Ariela Lowenstein

During the last decades we are witnessing a demographical revolution. Changes in medicine and technology, among other things, have led to extension in life expectancy and an increase in the number of older adults in society. Still, societies are facing challenges in term of improving quality of life for people age 60 and above that are discriminated, socially excluded, living in poverty and living in distress. Many of them around the world are suffering from abuse and neglect. the nature of elder abuse presents society with a serious challenge of tackling the problem and its implications for millions of older adults throughout the globe. Elder abuse and neglect were recognized as a health and social problem due to the scope and damages to an older adult, his/her family, and society at large. The effects and consequences of elder abuse are complex and multidimensional. These can range across physical, emotional, psychological and social areas. Studies provide evidence of a wide range of negative health outcomes associated with elder abuse and neglect, including physical symptoms such as injuries, fatigue, high blood pressure, heart problems and chronic pain. Studies also showed association between elder abuse morbidity and mortality Despite existing knowledge no accurate data exists about the scope of the problem, WHO publication (2018) reported that on average, 15.7% of older adults are subjected to one type or more of abuse or neglect. However, harmful behaviors occur usually behind closed doors, thus only part of the incidents are identified and treated by professionals and authorities. The issue then how can a society can deal with this phenomenon