Running head: AGEISM IN ELDER ABUSE 1
Addressing Ageism in Elder Abuse: A Social Work Perspective
Name
Institution
, AGEISM IN ELDER ABUSE 2
Addressing Ageism in Elder Abuse: A Social Work Perspective
Introduction
With the growing population of older individuals, elderly abuse continues to be a
pressing issue, prompting research on its associated risk factors. The World Health Organization
(2023) identified ageism as a significant risk factor in the abuse of elderly persons. Ageism is the
prejudice, discrimination, or stereotyping directed towards the elderly population, which
increases negative attitudes and practices that expose the elderly population to neglect and abuse
(Bergeron & Lagacé, 2021). The Centers for Disease Control CDC (2024) defines older person
abuse as the intentional act or failure to act that creates a risk for harm to older persons. This
paper will relate ageism and elderly abuse, describing how ageism increases the individual’s
vulnerability to abuse and how it affects their overall life. The paper also discusses the role of
social workers in addressing ageism and elderly abuse and suggests recommendations for
addressing the issue.
Justification of The Topic
Ageism underpins and legitimizes abuse by encouraging discrimination and neglect of
older adults, affecting the quality of life and the health of the population. This topic is
particularly relevant in today’s social work because of the growing elderly population and the
notable increases in reported abuse and neglect of the population, causing significant harm to the
health and quality of life. According to the World Health Organization (2024), despite being a
global issue affecting a significant number of the elderly population, elder abuse and neglect are
often overlooked and under-addressed in society. Approaches to detect, describe, and address
ageism-related elderly abuse and neglect should be put in place to address underlying factors and
Addressing Ageism in Elder Abuse: A Social Work Perspective
Name
Institution
, AGEISM IN ELDER ABUSE 2
Addressing Ageism in Elder Abuse: A Social Work Perspective
Introduction
With the growing population of older individuals, elderly abuse continues to be a
pressing issue, prompting research on its associated risk factors. The World Health Organization
(2023) identified ageism as a significant risk factor in the abuse of elderly persons. Ageism is the
prejudice, discrimination, or stereotyping directed towards the elderly population, which
increases negative attitudes and practices that expose the elderly population to neglect and abuse
(Bergeron & Lagacé, 2021). The Centers for Disease Control CDC (2024) defines older person
abuse as the intentional act or failure to act that creates a risk for harm to older persons. This
paper will relate ageism and elderly abuse, describing how ageism increases the individual’s
vulnerability to abuse and how it affects their overall life. The paper also discusses the role of
social workers in addressing ageism and elderly abuse and suggests recommendations for
addressing the issue.
Justification of The Topic
Ageism underpins and legitimizes abuse by encouraging discrimination and neglect of
older adults, affecting the quality of life and the health of the population. This topic is
particularly relevant in today’s social work because of the growing elderly population and the
notable increases in reported abuse and neglect of the population, causing significant harm to the
health and quality of life. According to the World Health Organization (2024), despite being a
global issue affecting a significant number of the elderly population, elder abuse and neglect are
often overlooked and under-addressed in society. Approaches to detect, describe, and address
ageism-related elderly abuse and neglect should be put in place to address underlying factors and
