Abstract

JESUS, Joana Correia; HUMBOLDT, Sofia von; SOARES, Luísa  and  LEAL, Isabel. Neglect in older adults and its risk factors: a narrative review. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2024, vol.25, n.1, pp.89-98.  Epub Mar 31, 2024. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/24psd250109.

The accentuated population aging is a contemporary phenomenon with a particular incidence in Western and European countries. It is estimated that by 2050 the population aged over 65 will double and that with this increase will come important social, relational, and personal challenges for the elderly. Research in health care and safety for the elderly has grown significantly in recent decades, including studies in violence against the elderly, however violence due to negligence has been undervalued. Despite being one of the types of violence that most impacts the elderly, it is also one of the most difficult to detect and study. The purpose of the present study was to develop a narrative review of the literature that addressed violence due to negligence in the elderly and the risk factors associated with it. The search for studies was carried out in the EBSCO Host, PubMed, Scopus and Scielo databases, including 29 final articles. There were five major risk factors for violence due to negligence: Sociodemographic characteristics, degree of dependence, low social support, low sense of community and social stereotypes/ageism. Specific phenomena were also identified that can increase vulnerability to violence by neglect, such as retirement or significant physical and cognitive losses. The urgency of studies that assess the risk of violence due to negligence in the elderly and particularly in non-institutionalized elderly people is highlighted.

Keywords : Violence due to Negligence; Risk factors; Elderly; Review; Aging.

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