Elder mistreatment: its relevance to older women

Elder mistreatment, both abuse and neglect, is an important health care problem for women since they are involved as victims and as perpetrators. The incidence of both forms of such mistreatment is increasing, and both often occur within the context of long-term care. Elder abuse occurs in both unidirectional and dual directional forms, and includes parent abuse and spouse abuse. Elder neglect occurs in two forms; neglect by others and self-neglect. While elderly men and women are both neglected and/or abused, women may suffer greater physical and psychological consequences. To date, researchers have inadequately addressed the relevance of gender to both forms of elder mistreatment. This literature review addresses what is currently known about elder abuse and neglect that is of particular relevance to older women.