Background to Research
- The authors of this research report identify elder abuse as a complex policy problem, that is both socially constructed and culturally maintained.
- Perspectives of older people are rarely included in discussions of elder abuse.
- This all-Ireland study was the first to record and analyse the perceptions of older people themselves on this sensitive issue.
Research Approach
- The aim of the research was to highlight how older people understand elder abuse.
- A series of focus groups were held between October 2010 and February 2011. Fifty-eight people, all aged over 65 took part in the research.
- The research employed participatory research methods in order to co-produce knowledge of elder abuse with older people. Older people were recruited and trained as peer researchers. The inclusion of the perspective of older people added depth and credibility to the findings.
Main Findings
- Researchers found that existing definitions of elder abuse ignore wider societal issues, in particular the absence of respect towards older people. Rather than focusing on the physical aspects of abuse, participants referred to a new concept called ‘personhood' abuse.
- Societal attitudes towards old age and ageing can affect older people’s confidence and human agency.
- The research also reported that in some cases, the experience of being ignored or losing one’s autonomy can lead to older people feeling too frightened to challenge abusive acts, words and pressures. Fear that care or contact hours will be withdrawn can sometimes prevent older people from objecting to abusive treatment.
Discussion
- The report concludes with a number of suggestion for reducing elder abuse, or at least limiting its consequences for older people.
- Maintaining participation in basic community life is an important factor in preventing elder abuse.
- Increasing resources for community based activities can remove the isolation that can surround cases of abuse.
- Community and peer based support networks were seen as important in giving older people a shoulder to lean on.
- Having a friend to support an older person who is experiencing abuse could provide the right circumstances for older people to speak out.
- Informal support is important in encouraging older people to seek more formal interventions, if necessary
Please see Research
Report on the Centre
for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland (CARDI) Website
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