Open AccessElder Abuse and Women’s Health
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
obstetrics and gynecology (new york. 1953. online)/obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.664
H-Index - 220
eISSN - 1873-233X
pISSN - 0029-7844
DOI - 10.1097/aog.0000000000004298
Subject(s) - elder abuse , medicine , neglect , abandonment (legal) , psychological abuse , sexual abuse , physical abuse , referral , harm , population , psychiatry , distress , psychological intervention , health care , gerontology , poison control , suicide prevention , medical emergency , family medicine , clinical psychology , environmental health , psychology , social psychology , political science , law , economics , economic growth
Elder abuse, a violation of human rights, is defined as a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate actions, which causes harm, risk of harm, or distress to an individual 60 years or older. As many as 1 in 10 older adults have been victims of elder abuse. Most cases of abuse occur in women. The U.S. Census predicts that by 2060, the segment of the population that is older than 65 years will reach an estimated 94.7 million. Categories of elder abuse include physical, psychological, emotional, or sexual abuse; neglect; abandonment; and financial exploitation. Screening, education, and policy change are the best interventions for the prevention of elder abuse. Early identification and prompt referral should be part of the preventive health care visit for women aged 60 years and older.