NCJ Number
196091
Journal
Trauma, Violence, & Abuse Volume: 3 Issue: 3 Dated: July 2002 Pages: 167-180
Date Published
July 2002
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article provides a review of literature on aging and elder abuse in contemporary Chinese societies.
Abstract
Elder abuse remains a forbidden topic in these societies with most cases being undetected and unreported. This is partly related to the cultural emphasis on the preservation of family harmony and honor. There is evidence that the younger generation of Chinese is less adherent to traditional Confucian principles of filial piety. The younger generation in contemporary Chinese societies may prefer to pursue individual development instead of fulfilling their prescribed family obligations. It is also likely that elderly Chinese may encounter distressful adjustment in their older age. Caregivers with extensive caregiving strain and stress not only fail to provide the necessary care to their dependent family members; they may also resort to abusing them to relieve their tension and frustration. Available studies indicate that elder abuse in the family does exist in Chinese societies. Various forms of elder abuse as identified by Western studies are also present in these societies, and psychological elder abuse seems to be the most prevalent. Abusers are often elderly people’s adult offspring. They are typically male, married, living with victims, and experiencing familial conflicts, financial problems, stress, psychological disorder, drinking problems, and substance dependence. Significant risk factors on the part of the abused elderly Chinese are their older age, poor visual and memory abilities, presence of chronic illness, and dependence on their caregivers. Abused elderly Chinese frequently report poor mental health. The rates of attempted suicide and completed suicide in the elderly Chinese population are higher than those of other populations. Social and mental health implications of growing old may be more distressful for elderly women than elderly men as the former are more likely to live longer, be poor, have inadequate retirement income, and be widowed, divorced, or alone. The traditional Chinese thinking that family matters are private may preclude people from reporting and intervening when they encounter elder abuse incidents. Local governments and policy makers should place elder abuse at the top of their agendas and allocate resources to prevent its spread. 100 references