Physical Abuse In Older Adults

Physical abuse in older adults

Introduction.

Old age is one of the most misunderstood stages. People who are considered older adults are 60 years old and more and are likely to be victims of abuse, because, for other people, older adults are physically limited to carry out various activities. (National Human Rights Commission, 2015). This work provides data on the current situation, the discriminating underlying groups and national and international legal tools to protect older adults.

Developing.

Magnitude of the problem and current situation. The abuse of older people is an important public health problem. Based on a WHO study of 2017, during the last year, around the world, 15.7% of people 60 years or older were some form of abuse. This percentage probably represents an underestimation, since only one of every 24 cases of abuse to the elderly is denounced, partly because the latter are often afraid to notify the abuse of their relatives, their friends or the authorities. (World Health Organization)

According to WHO, in the last year 1 in 6 people over 60 years of age suffered some type of abuse in community environments. It is mentioned that there are great abuse rates towards the elderly in institutions as residences of the elderly and care centers, since it is reported that 2 out of 3 workers, of these instances, have inflicted ill -treatment towards the elderly. This abuse towards older adults can have both physical and psychological consequences.

For 2018, it was recorded in the National Survey of Demographic Dynamics, made by INEGI, which in Mexico resided.4 million people in old age, of which 11.04% live alone, in addition to 41.4% are economically active and 69.4% of those living alone have disabilities or limitations. In addition, in Mexico on 21.7% of older adults who work and live alone, do not receive benefits, 15.7% receive Aguinaldo and only 13.4% have vacation with salary enjoyment. 

conclusion.

Aging is characterized by the tendency to develop chronic -degenerative diseases, which are commonly more acute since the age of old age is entered. Based on INEGI information, a 3.2% of older people in Mexico do not have medical follow -up or self-medicate.