Senior citizens least neglected in India

Washington: According to a new global review it was found that India has the lowest prevalence of elder abuse in Asian countries . The analysis confirmed that in India 14 per cent older adults are possible to face psychological, physical and sexual abuse and financial exploitation which is relatively much lower when compared to other Asian countries like China where the record has been 36 per cent.

The researchers said that in Asia, the highest prevalence of elder abuse was found among older adults in China (36 per cent), while the lowest was reported among older adults in India (14 per cent). The study found that elder abuse is common among community-dwelling older adults and is especially prevalent among minority older adults. Older adults with cognitive and physical impairments or psycho-social distress are also at increased risk of elder abuse.

Researchers also found that in North and South America epidemiological studies , the prevalence of elder abuse ranged from about 10 per cent among cognitively intact older adults to 47 per cent in older adults with dementia. In Europe, the prevalence varied from 2 per cent in Ireland to 61 per cent in Croatia whereas in Africa, the prevalence ranged between 30 per cent and 44 per cent.

Dr XinQi Dong, lead author of the review published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society said , “The epidemics of elder abuse and our societal inability to sufficiently protect the most vulnerable population are only compounded by their increased risks for premature death, psycho-social distress, use of emergency departments, hospitalization, and nursing home placement,”.

"Systematic, coordinated and targeted research, education, advocacy, and policy efforts are needed to protect, prevent, and serve our golden population in diverse communities," Dong added.