The story or tale of the “ The old grandfather and his little grandson” is a clear example of elder mistreatment. In the story, an old man is mistreated, rejected and neglected by his own family; Including his daughter-in-law and son. However, Misha (the grandfather's grandson) gives the parents a life lesson.
Through history, and in certain cultures and countries elders are venerated when they age. They are respected because of their wisdom and life experiences, because they are the head of the family or simply for reaching a rare age and a long life( like 60’s and 70’s). This happens in countries like Korea, China, India, Greece between (among) other countries (others). This respect even happened in ancient Rome and elders ( were) considered a precious resource, since people in the time, hardly reached their 25 years of life.
Other countries or other (many) families, do not have the same respect towards age and aging. In fact, (they) are scared or feared by this normal biological process or state, and elders are usually ignored or rejected by the community and even relegated to nursing rooms or simply away from their family (families). This is what causes elder mistreatment, which is also known as abuse is “the act or omission which result (results) in harm or threatened (threatens) harmed (harming) to the health or welfare of an elderly person” (American Family Physician. 1999 May 15).
This mistreatment may be categorized as: Physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, financial or material exploitation and abandonment (This abuse may also be intentional or unintentional). Usually the abuse comes from the victim’s home and own family. Elder abuse is a pervasive and growing problem that has increased in the past year.
According to the World's Health Organization about 15.7 % people aged 60 or more, have received a type of abuse. This problem could be largely preventable, but most of the cases aren’t reported because of fear or not being able to talk to the authorities. Of course, the consequences of these actions could affect the elder emotionally (Like anxiety, depression and stress) and physically (That can go from small scratches to major injuries that may lead to disabilities or even death) .
Elder Mistreatment has been normalized over the years, reason why the cases of abuse increase. Sometimes this treatment may be unintentional, but still affects the adult. Sadly, most of the cases aren’t reported; So, creating (raising) awareness about this topic its (is) important, people should understand and identify the signs of this type of abuse, and know that this (these) actions won’t be taken for granted.
Sources
https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/
https://www.cdc.gov/
