View article

From being primarily a social welfare issue and a problem of ageing, elder abuse has developed into a public health issue. 1 Elder abuse, under the term granny battering, was first described in Britain in 1975. 2, 3 An increasing number of scientific and governmental actions in various countries (eg USA) are addressing the problem. Elder abuse is now recognised in both developed and developing countries as a serious and growing problem. Advances in medical science and in social welfare have ensured that the number of older persons has increased, but also that many of them enjoy longer periods of disability-free old age. Further progress in these areas will strengthen this development. Notwithstanding, old age is associated with a decline in health (eg physical), which affects the ability to carry out societal, work and family roles. Not uncommonly, old age involves the loss of influence and reduction of social networks, reduced quality of life, material and emotional hardships, and increased dependency on others for well-being. Remaining inequalities in society have maintained differences in, for instance, access to services, which seem to affect older persons in particular. The living conditions (eg housing) of older persons are not always appropriated, not least for those who are frail and disabled, with unnecessary difficulties as a consequence. The increasing focus on Youth may marginalise older persons, at least their voices may not be heard to the extent that one would expect considering their experience and knowledge. 4