To commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the issue has become an international focus and locals are saying that Safegua should do more.rd senior generation..
Elder abuse is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Elder Abuse Prevention Network as an important global issue that needs immediate attention.
Elder abuse is defined as a single or repetitive act or lack of appropriate action that occurs in a relationship that is expected to cause harm or stress to the elderly.
The American Psychological Association classifies elder abuse into five types: physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, financial abuse or exploitation, sexual abuse and caregiver negligence.
By 2030, WHO predicts that the world’s elderly population over the age of 60 will reach 1.4 billion, a surge from 1 billion in 2020. By 2050, the world’s population over the age of 60 will double to reach 2.1 billion.
The number of older people over the age of 80 is expected to triple between 2020 and 2050, reaching 426 million.
Currently, little is known about the statistics of elder abuse in the Middle East.
Most of the MENA countries, as Middle Eastern culture emphasizes respect for the elderly, appreciates the natural love ties between family members, and imposes a heavy obligation on families to support older members. Elderly people live and are cared for from one or more families, including children, spouses, and other close relatives.
The series “Shock Mischief” (مقلب القدمة), which MBC GROUP normally airs on the month of Ramadan, is a testament to the Arab society’s emphasis on the role of the elderly and their respect.
One such segment of the series involves two actors, usually a son or daughter, and either parent engaging in a fight. The child then verbal abuses and presents extreme signs of contempt to parents to see how strangers react to shocking scenarios.
The purpose of this show is to capture the essence of Arab society and its view of respect for the elderly and raise awareness of elder abuse.
The show is initially performed by a hidden camera before revealing the identity of the actors involved.
Lack of long-term care facilities
As of 2016, many experts point out that the number of long-term care facilities designated for the elderly remains small in most Arab countries. The explanation provided for such statistics is due to the reliance on house helpers and full-time maids brought in to take care of the old man.
There are several challenges that cover a range of areas for home caregivers in the Arab region. A common problem facing Arab countries is that they are not specialized in the education of geriatrics, which is the health care of the elderly.
Nursing homes are not equipped to accommodate chronic patients, the elderly are treated by general physicians or practitioners, and are admitted to acute care hospitals, especially in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries.
Most older people complain about “inaccessibility” or lack of professional home services, as well as lack of social or financial support for caregivers.
The United Nations noted that Qatar, along with Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Saudi Arabia, has completed a national action plan to promote the rights of the elderly.
The United Nations said the GCC “because it is an oil-rich country, older retirees enjoy relatively privileged conditions than other countries in the region.”
In 12 Arab countries, including Qatar, laws and policies stipulate that adult children, primarily the eldest son, are responsible for the welfare of older parents.
Lack of knowledge of elderly care in Qatar
In a 2021 study by the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), 96% of patients in Qatar in need of palliative care and 91% of caregivers found the meaning of the term “palliative care” and what it provides. It became clear that I was unaware. ..
Palliative care is a relatively new medical care approach aimed at improving quality of life and reducing the pain and suffering of people with serious and complex illnesses.
The first national WISH survey in the Gulf countries surveyed patients, caretakers, families, front-line healthcare professionals, and policy makers.
Most of the patients studied suffered from non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. They explained that their health care decisions were influenced by their Islam and Arab culture.
In 2020, Qatar’s population over the age of 60 was 1.026 million. Demographics for people over the age of 60 surged 239.13% in 2020.
Noura Ali Hassan of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MADLSA) said that the elderly in Qatar make up about 2.2% of the population and are expected to increase to 27.6% by 2039.
Elder abuse in Saudi Arabia
A study conducted in the city of Arcatif, a province and urban area in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia, found that the socio-economic background of the family was a major cause of abuse of the elderly.
According to a Saudi Arabia-based survey, 62% of poor older people are exposed to abuse, while only 6% of older people in wealthy families are abused.
Studies have also found that caring for the elderly is often regarded as a mandatory obligation and is not voluntary.
A study in Thailand found that older women were about five times more likely to be abused than older men. 73.7% of survey participants believe that older women are more exposed to abuse and neglect than men, and there is no dramatic difference between female and male participants in their views on this issue. did.
84.4% of participants agreed that elderly people with mental illness were exposed to abuse and ignored more often. Similarly, 81.4% of participants were abused by the disabled or bedridden elderly.
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Efforts to curb elder abuse
The empowerment of the Qatar Social Welfare Foundation and the effective role of civil society institutions, including the Elderly Care Center (Ehsan), will ultimately provide care and social services to the elderly in treatment and care.
At the social level, Esan publishes “Albraha Magazine”, which focuses on the issue of aging and provides advice and counseling.
The Social Security Act, which seeks social security pensions for older people over the age of 60 and who do not have sufficient sources of income or income to live, is one such effort to combat the neglect of older people.
The law states that social security provides seniors with financial assistance, other benefits and tax exemptions, including housing.
“Responding to Elder Abuse is a multi-faceted approach across protection policies to raise awareness of care providers regarding the physiological changes in aging and corrects false information about the hidden issues of Elder Abuse. We need a collaborative effort to do this, “the research article suggests.
Local festivals and events can be more comprehensive for older people as a means of implementing measures to reduce the incidence of elder abuse. This is to ensure that such social sectors are not isolated from social life and are more integrated.
This normalizes the elderly element of society and raises the awareness of the younger generation.
Through campaigns and school programs, institutions can also educate young people about the elderly and their well-being from an early age and foster a society in which elder abuse statistics are steadily declining.
