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Investigating the connection between ageism and elder mistreatment
Karl Pillemer1,2, David Burnes3,4, Andie MacNeil3,4
1Department of Human Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA. kap6@cornell.edu.
Nature Aging
|April 28, 2023
Summary
Ageism, prejudice against older adults, may contribute to elder mistreatment. More research is needed to understand this link and develop effective prevention strategies for elder abuse.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Elder mistreatment is a significant public health issue with widespread negative impacts.
- Existing research primarily focuses on individual risk factors, neglecting broader societal influences.
- A growing body of work suggests a link between ageism and elder mistreatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the conceptual links between ageism and elder mistreatment.
- To review the limited empirical evidence supporting this relationship.
- To propose a model and research agenda for future studies.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of existing literature.
- Identification of research gaps.
- Development of a theoretical model.
Main Results:
- The direct empirical evidence linking ageism to elder mistreatment is scarce.
- Conceptual pathways suggest ageism can foster environments conducive to mistreatment.
- Critical knowledge gaps hinder a full understanding of the ageism-mistreatment connection.
Conclusions:
- Ageism is a plausible underlying structural factor contributing to elder mistreatment.
- Further research is essential to validate the proposed model and inform interventions.
- Addressing ageism may be a key strategy in preventing elder abuse.
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