Research on abuse is often piecemeal and focused on specific forms, populations, and social situations. As a result, these studies tend to ignore the web of abuse resulting from the interactive effects of various forms of abuse over the life course, together referred to as \"lifetime abuse.\" An examination of abuse from the point of view of older adults is likely to provide a lifetime perspective based on linking child abuse to elder abuse over the life course and an assessment of its consequences. Despite the growing awareness and resulting body of knowledge regarding this phenomenon, proposed theoretical formulations about it remain limited. The present article aimed to conceptualize the multifaceted phenomenon of lifetime abuse and to gain a deeper perspective of the topic by understanding its dimensions, meanings, and experiences in older age, based on a critical review of empirical studies. A model is suggested, which can be useful for future exploration and understanding of lifetime abuse. Based on a critical review of previous studies, we suggest a theoretical framework of lifetime abuse from the perspective of older adults, identifying three key domains: (a) perception of time and life review in old age; (b) cumulative and interactive abusive life events; and (c) resilience versus vulnerability over the life course. We propose a heuristic model to explore and understand lifetime abuse. We believe our proposed model is open to reflection and elaboration and is intended to raise questions that could enhance the need for our understanding of lifetime abuse in old age.

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Despite the documented increasing prevalence of elder abuse victimization and its devastating health effects, a life-course view of the victimization experiences of older adults has rarely been adopted in the elder abuse literature. The current study investigated lifetime links between victimization experiences by examining the indirect effect of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) on elder abuse victimization via intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization in middle adulthood, and whether this indirect association would differ by gender. Using data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, we analyzed the previous and current victimization experiences of a total of 5,391 older adults in their early 70s and estimated mediational and moderated mediation models. The key results indicated that a higher ACE score was associated with exposure to IPV victimization in middle adulthood, which was in turn associated with exposure to elder abuse victimization. This indirect association was stronger for women than for men. Regarding specific types of childhood victimization, parental physical abuse, sexual abuse, and witnessing domestic violence significantly predicted elder abuse victimization via IPV victimization. Our results support the phenomenon of lifetime victimization, whereby an individual experiences reoccurring forms of victimization across the life course from childhood to late adulthood. Findings highlight the compelling need for the assessment of cumulative victimization experiences and their impact on elder abuse victims. A life-course-based, trauma-informed approach would greatly enhance prevention and intervention services for elder abuse.

A literature review of recent prevalence and prospective studies on interpersonal violence (IPV) identifies a link among child abuse, intimate partner violence, and elder abuse that had not emerged from life-stage-specific studies on abuse, neglect, and violence against older persons. In line with a developmental understanding of IPV from a life course perspective, early life trauma is emerging as an explanatory theory of IPV across the life course. This paradigm shift in the field of elder abuse challenges more traditional explanations of IPV in old age, such as ageism, but opens up new opportunities for interventions leading to prevention and treatment of abuse, neglect, and violence against older adults. Prevalence studies that include older subjects and questions about violence experienced as children and younger adults consistently identify child abuse as a risk factor for IPV experienced in old age. Similarly, prospective studies on IPV that follow subjects from childhood to old age identify lifetime patterns of abuse. Qualitative studies of IPV in old age that include retrospective data suggest a link as well. IPV perpetrated against children and adults of all ages by persons in positions of trust can lead to trauma that has adverse lifelong behavioral and relational implications. This provides a link between trauma theory and violence against older people. Until recently, abuse, neglect, and violence were conceptualized differently based on the life stage of the victim. While historically the definitions for partner and non-partner violence diverged based on the life stage of victims, more recently this has begun to converge. Understanding violence from a life course and trauma-informed perspective better identifies risk factors and interventions for IPV against older adults. Intersectionality of age and gender variables demonstrate differences and similarities among populations studied.

This article examines the connection between human rights and elder abuse, employing a human rights-based approach. Through a critical examination of a fictional case study on elder abuse, the discussion highlights the vital role of nurses when safeguarding the rights of older individuals in residential care settings. The PANEL framework - encompassing Participation, Accountability, Non-discrimination, Empowerment and Legality - is a comprehensive guide for safeguarding practice and is applied to the example provided. By applying this human rights-based approach, nurses can proactively address elder abuse, ensuring individuals\' rights are protected, promoted and supported. Through accountability measures, non-discriminatory practices, empowerment strategies and adherence to legal standards, the authors advocate for a holistic approach to enhance the quality of care and foster a safe environment for older adults.

Elder abuse, a pervasive and distressing phenomenon, continues to pose a significant challenge globally, affecting older adults across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. This article provides an overview of the prevalence of elder abuse, highlighting its multifaceted nature, risk factors and the imperative need for intervention and prevention strategies. A synthesis of empirical studies, meta-analyses and reputable sources is used to delineate the prevalence rates and patterns of elder abuse across various geographical regions.

The objective of this article was to verify the association between domestic violence and obesity and malnutrition in elderly people in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Cross-sectional study evaluated in the EpiFloripa Elderly cohort in 2013/2014. The outcomes were body mass index (BMI) and abdominal obesity (increased WC). Violence against elderly people was measured using the HawlekSengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test (H-S/EAST) instrument, and IPV using the Conflict Tatics Scales Form R (CTS-1) instrument. Logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression models were used. It was observed that men had a greater chance of abdominal obesity when in situations of violence and in the potential abuse dimension. Women were more likely to have abdominal obesity in the dimension of violation of personal rights or abuse, when they suffered IPV and when they were perpetrators of IPV. In relation to BMI, elderly women in situations of violence were associated with a greater chance of being overweight and those who suffered IPV. On the other hand, men in vulnerable situations were more likely to be underweight. It is concluded that violence against elderly people and IPV generate an asymmetric impact on nutritional status in relation to sex.
O objetivo deste artigo foi verificar a associação entre a violência doméstica com a obesidade e a desnutrição em pessoas idosas de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Estudo transversal avaliados na coorte EpiFloripa Idoso em 2013/2014. Os desfechos foram o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e a obesidade abdominal (CC aumentada). A violência contra pessoa idosa foi mensurada através do instrumento HawlekSengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test (H-S/EAST), e a VPI por meio do instrumento Conflict Tatics Scales Form R (CTS-1). Utilizou-se modelos de regressão logística e regressão logística multinomial. Observou-se que os homens apresentaram maior chance de obesidade abdominal quando em situação de violência. Já as mulheres apresentaram maior chance de obesidade abdominal em situação de abuso direto quando sofreram violência por parceiro íntimo (VPI) e quando foram perpetradoras desta violência. Em relação ao IMC, as mulheres idosas em situação de violência e que sofreram VPI foram associadas às maiores chances de sobrepeso. Em contrapartida, os homens em situação de vulnerabilidade demonstraram maior chance de baixo peso. Conclui-se que a violência contra pessoa idosa e a VPI geram impacto assimétrico sobre o estado nutricional em relação ao sexo.

The prevalence of elder abuse and neglect is trending upward among American seniors, but physician reports of suspected maltreatment are not keeping pace. The most important step in management of elder abuse and neglect is making the diagnosis and reporting the suspicions to Adult Protective Services. This review presents a systematic approach for emergency department diagnosis of elder abuse and neglect, including a thorough history and physical examination combined with the use of standardized validated screening tools. To better assess and treat victims of suspected abuse, physicians can also employ a multidisciplinary team or recruit available resources in the hospital and the community, such as case managers, social workers, and primary care providers to create safety plans for at-risk elders.

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UNASSIGNED: Elder abuse is a prevalent, though often overlooked and underreported, cause of musculoskeletal injury in the elderly population. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated overview of the prevalence of elder abuse, its association with musculoskeletal injuries, and the available resources to aid orthopaedic surgeons in early detection and intervention.
UNASSIGNED: Improved training on this topic is needed throughout the medical education of orthopaedic surgeons to effectively recognize and address elder abuse. Our findings reveal an urgent need for increased awareness, education, and collaboration among healthcare professionals to address this significant public health concern. As the aging population continues to grow, understanding the connection between elder abuse and musculoskeletal injuries is essential for providing comprehensive care to older adults.
UNASSIGNED: This review offers practical recommendations for identifying individuals at risk of elder abuse and outlines strategies for intervention. Indicators of abuse range from obvious signs like dirty clothes, neglect, and unattended injuries from falls, to more subtle cues requiring careful observation and questioning, such as mental health symptoms and family histories of abuse.
UNASSIGNED: By shedding light on this often-overlooked issue, this review advocates for a proactive approach to identifying and addressing elder abuse to safeguard the well-being and quality of life of older individuals.