Elder abuse lowest in India among Asian countries

Washington: India has the lowest prevalence of elder abuse in Asian countries, according to a new global review, which found that 14 per cent older adults in the country may face psychological, physical, and sexual abuse and financial exploitation compared to 36 per cent in China. 

The researchers said that in Asia, the highest prevalence of elder abuse was found among older adults in China (36 per cent), while the lowest was reported among older adults in India (14 per cent).  The study found that elder abuse is common among community-dwelling older adults and is especially prevalent among minority older adults. 

Older adults with cognitive and physical impairments or psychosocial distress are also at increased risk of elder abuse.  In North and South American epidemiological studies, the prevalence of elder abuse ranged from about 10 per cent among cognitively intact older adults to 47 per cent in older adults with dementia, researchers found. 

In Europe, the prevalence varied from 2 per cent in Ireland to 61 per cent in Croatia.  In Africa, the prevalence ranged between 30 per cent and 44 per cent. 

"The epidemics of elder abuse and our societal inability to sufficiently protect the most vulnerable population are only compounded by their increased risks for premature death, psychosocial distress, use of emergency departments, hospitalisation, and nursing home placement," said Dr XinQi Dong, lead author of the review published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 

"Systematic, coordinated and targeted research, education, advocacy, and policy efforts are needed to protect, prevent, and serve our golden population in diverse communities," Dong said.