Elder Abuse: A Global Challenge and Canada's Response

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Nursing

Background:

• Elder abuse is a significant global issue, exacerbated by demographic shifts leading to larger older adult populations.
• Ageism and age discrimination contribute to elder abuse, yet older adults lack explicit legal protection under international human rights law.
• Nurses play a vital role in the detection and prevention of elder abuse.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the challenges in recognizing and combating elder abuse.
• To identify gerontological nursing strategies for addressing elder abuse.
• To develop an advocacy framework for gerontological nurses.

Main Methods:

• Review of global conversations on elder abuse and nursing roles.
• Analysis of Canadian initiatives to combat elder abuse.
• Development of an advocacy framework based on gerontological nursing principles.

Main Results:

• Challenges in recognizing and combating elder abuse were identified.
• Specific gerontological nursing strategies were highlighted, drawing from Canadian examples.
• An advocacy framework for gerontological nurses was proposed.

Conclusions:

• Gerontological nurses require specific strategies and an advocacy framework to effectively address elder abuse.
• Enhanced recognition and prevention of elder abuse are critical for protecting older adults' rights.
• Multifaceted approaches are needed to combat elder abuse globally.