Sydney, Australia (February 6, 2025): The world is ageing at an unprecedented rate. By 2050, the number of people aged 60 and over is projected to double, reaching a staggering 2.1 billion, according to the World Health Organization (2023). This demographic transformation presents profound challenges, particularly concerning the wellbeing of older adults and the alarming rise of elder abuse a silent epidemic affecting millions worldwide. While awareness is growing, concerted and sustained action is crucial to ensure older individuals live with dignity, respect, and security.
The Complexities of Ageing and Wellbeing
Ageing, while a natural and often celebrated process, often brings a complex interplay of challenges. Chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders become more prevalent. Cognitive decline, including dementia and Alzheimer’s, adds another layer of complexity, impacting independence and quality of life. The WHO recognizes healthy ageing as a crucial framework, emphasizing functional ability and well-being in later life citated in World Health Organization (2023). This encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being, allowing individuals to remain active and engaged members of society. However, many older adults face significant obstacles, including declining physical and mental health, social isolation, economic insecurity, and ageism. These vulnerabilities significantly increase the risk of elder abuse, a pervasive human rights violation that directly undermines wellbeing in older age.
Elder Abuse Affecting Wellbeing
Elder abuse manifests in various insidious forms: physical, psychological, sexual, financial exploitation, and neglect. It transcends cultures and socioeconomic strata, often perpetrated by family members, caregivers, or other trusted individuals, creating a profound betrayal of trust. The WHO (2023) has been estimates that 1 in 6 older adults experiences some form of abuse annually, a figure considered a gross underestimate due to underreporting, often due to fear, shame, or lack of awareness of reporting mechanisms. According to study in 2017 published supported by World Health Organization, in The Lancet suggested that the global prevalence of elder abuse could be as high as 15.7%. Financial abuse, often involving misappropriation of assets, scams targeting seniors, or exploitation of financial dependence, is particularly devastating, eroding financial security and increasing vulnerability. Psychological abuse, including verbal abuse, intimidation, social isolation, and threats, inflicts deep emotional scars, leading to depression, anxiety, and diminished self-worth, directly impacting mental wellbeing. Neglect, both intentional and unintentional, can lead to severe health consequences, including malnutrition, dehydration, untreated medical conditions, and even premature death, severely compromising physical wellbeing.
The Devastating Impact on Elderly Wellbeing
The consequences of elder abuse are profound and far-reaching, directly hindering elderly wellbeing. Victims experience heightened risks of physical and mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and even premature mortality. Beyond the immediate health impacts, elder abuse erodes an individual’s sense of security, dignity, and trust, fundamental components of wellbeing. The betrayal by a loved one or caregiver can have lasting psychological trauma, making it difficult for victims to seek help or rebuild their lives. Social isolation, often a consequence of abuse, further exacerbates the negative impacts on wellbeing. The World Bank Group, 2023 highlighted the significant economic burden of elder abuse, impacting healthcare systems, social services, and overall societal well-being, diverting resources from essential services that support healthy ageing.
A Call for Global Action to Promote Elderly Wellbeing
Addressing this crisis requires a multi-pronged and globally coordinated approach. First and foremost, raising public awareness is essential. Education campaigns targeting families, communities, and professionals, including healthcare providers, social workers, and law enforcement, are crucial for recognizing the signs of abuse and encouraging reporting. Secondly, strengthening support systems for older adults is vital for promoting wellbeing. This includes access to quality and affordable healthcare, social services, and community-based programs that combat social isolation, promote healthy ageing, and provide respite for caregivers. According to World Health Organization (2023), Global Strategy and Action Plan on Ageing and Health provides a roadmap for countries to develop comprehensive responses to the challenges of ageing, including elder abuse prevention and the promotion of healthy ageing.
Finally, legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms must be strengthened to protect elderly wellbeing. This includes enacting robust legislation that protects the rights of older adults, improving detection and investigation of abuse cases, and ensuring access to justice for victims. Finally, research and data collection are critical for understanding the scope and nature of elder abuse, informing effective prevention strategies, and evaluating the impact of interventions designed to improve elderly wellbeing.
A Shared Responsibility for a Better Future for Older Adults
Protecting the rights and well-being of older adults is a shared responsibility. Governments, civil society organizations, communities, and individuals all have a role to play in fostering a culture of respect and care for older generations. As the global population ages, we must move beyond awareness to action. By working together, we can create a world where older adults are valued, respected, and protected from abuse, ensuring they can age with dignity, security, and optimal wellbeing.
The global population is ageing rapidly, with projections showing a doubling of the population aged 60 and over by 2050. This demographic shift brings significant challenges, particularly concerning the wellbeing of older adults and the escalating crisis of elder abuse. This article examines the complex challenges of ageing, including the prevalence and various forms of elder abuse – physical, psychological, financial, and neglect – and its devastating impact on the health, security, and dignity of older individuals. It highlights the need for a multi-pronged global response, emphasizing public awareness campaigns, stronger support systems for older adults, robust legal frameworks, and further research to combat this pervasive human rights violation and ensure a future where older adults can age with respect, security, and optimal wellbeing.
Author: Mohammad Shahadat Hossen
This writing is part of the findings of a study under the special research under the, Faculty of Applied Social Science, Sultan Zainal Abidin University. The author is a PhD student in the Faculty of Applied Social Science, and can be contacted at si4114@putra.unisza.edu.my
