Elder abuse, a silent problem

Abstract

Abuse towards older people is influenced by cultural patterns, the historical context, the socio-cultural environment and the value judgments that society builds around old age. The mistreatment of this population has not had the same resonance in society as the abuse of children and women; however, in recent years it has started to be seen as a problem of public interest. This review aims to present the main concepts and characteristics of elder abuse and describe the magnitude of this social phenomenon worldwide and in Colombia from 1975 until 2018.