Drugs Blog

With the nuclear families growing fast across the globe, the people all over are concerned with a grave fact and that is elder abuse and neglect. The growing stress of acquiring more money has left the spouses running behind their respective jobs, thus neglecting their houses. The elders in the houses are either left alone or are living alone separately on their own. There are many other factors that count when this problem is noticed in depth. The inability to work any longer, serious disabilities and growing financial and social burdens have all resulted in deserting one’s parents in old age. The love and compassion that existed in the families is visible no longer.

With the increasing life expectancy, everywhere the number of elders is increasing. The elder abuse is not only considered domestic anymore. They suffer from abuse and neglect on many levels. It may be intentional or unintentional on part of certain professionals like lawyers or doctors or nurses, but they are at times responsible for such neglect professionally. For example, the elder may not be given the aggressive treatment for cancer even if he is able to withstand it. Such kind of unintentional neglects are the major cause of elder abuse. Because these incidences remain secluded within four walls, the incidence and prevalence is hard to count.

Older adults with lack of financial independence, having low self-confidence, suffering from psychiatric disorders, or having troubled marriages are mostly affected. There may be added material abuse and different kind of exploitation too. Great efforts are required to address the issue of prevention and intervention of elder abuse. Unless we consider this as a social injustice, it is difficult to achieve firmer steps. One should start from one’s own house. The older adults should also cooperate in this mission. They should not be hesitant when they really need some sort of help. Unless they come in open, it is hard for many to understand their problems. Eliminating ageism is the need of the hour. We may soon fall into the same group!