Journal of Sociology and Social Work

Analyzing the Increase in Elder Abuse during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Qin Wei

Abstract
Elder abuse has worsened since the commencement of the COVID-19 pandemic and has become an important public health and social issue for academics and professionals. Elder abuse has taken on various forms and sometimes is disguised as caring for the older adult while secretly manifesting into abusive manners. This paper provides a commentary on the way elder abuse has manifested during this pandemic and different ways it has worsened and become more nuanced. This paper conducts a literature review to examine what the literature discusses as it relates to the manifestation of elder abuse, before COVID-19 and during this pandemic. The findings from this article suggest that elder abuse manifests by way of intensified ageism, isolation and denied social interactions justified by “protection” against COVID-19. This article provides suggestions for academics, policy analysts and professionals to consider when addressing elder abuse in order to find suitable preventative solutions to protect this vulnerable population.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jssw.v9n2a5