By Oliver Mupila, The Times of Zambia (Ndola)
Zambia
July 22, 2008
Although the nations of the world have over years made serious attempts to curb the abuse of elderly people in society, the problem is still rampant especially in developing countries like Zambia , which have no social security schemes for senior citizens in place.
Various studies have often confirmed the abuse of elderly people as a widespread phenomenon, affecting thousands of vulnerable people across all classes of society.
Being largely hidden, this abuse is difficult for the professional community to address effectively. Only with the support of the public can society ensure that such cases are brought to light and appropriate action taken.
There is growing evidence from a number of communities that elderly people abuse and violence is a major, though hidden, problem in the developing world, since elderly people abuse is closely linked to poverty.
Attacking the causes of poverty could greatly improve the security of older people. Within the family status undergoes an abrupt change.
In Zambia for example, there are numerous cases of widows being forcibly removed from the family home. Elder people abuse in that form is far less likely to be reported than child abuse, which has gained greater public awareness.
This writer a few years, after a survey, established that "while one out of three child abuse cases is reported, only one out of 30 cases of elderly people abuse is reported."
With enhanced public awareness of the problem coupled with improved reporting systems, it is anticipated that reports of elderly people abuse (particularly domestic abuse) would drastically reduce.
For now, however, elder abuse remains one of the most under-recognised, and consequently one of the most under-reported social problems in the country.
(The author is a Malaria & HIV Consultant /Gerontologist and president & CEO for Health Village International Clinics for Malaria Control , USA )
Abridged
SOURCE: AllAfricaDotCom
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