Studies

The objective of this tri-provincial (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) research study funded by the PrairieAction Foundation was to explore the reasons for under-reporting in cases of abuse against older adults living in the community.

This summary report of findings follows a webinar which addressed the study, held in April 2020.

See also: Media Scan of Older Adults in Canada during COVID-19 Pandemic: Impacts on Abuse of Older Adults Living in the Community

Authors of the summary report:
Kerstin Roger, Donna Goodridge, Michelle Ranville, Christine A. Walsh, Cewick, M, Hall, K., Liepert, C., Songose, L., Anjorin-Ohu, K., PausJenssen, E.

Abstract

''Given that ‘home’ is the major physical‐spatial environment of many older adults and that home, social and neighbourhood environments are well‐recognised to impact both the ability to age in place and quality of life in this population, a better understanding of the nature of social interactions within seniors’ communal living environments is critical for health promotion. This paper describes a two‐phase participatory research study examining peer bullying by older adults conducted in April and May, 2016. Responding to needs expressed by tenants, the objectives of this study were to identify the nature, prevalence and consequences of peer bullying for tenants of two low‐income senior apartment communities. In collaboration with the local Older Adult Abuse Task Force, a screening survey on bullying was distributed to all tenants. Findings (n = 49) indicated that 39% of tenants had witnessed peer bullying and 29% had experienced bullying by peers. An adapted version of a youth bullying survey was administered in follow‐up face‐to‐face interviews with 13 tenants. The most common forms of peer bullying were deliberate social exclusion and hurtful comments. The majority of respondents indicated that bullying was a problem for seniors and that bullies hurt other people. Outcomes of bullying included feelings of dejection and difficulties conducting everyday activities.''

Donna Goodridge RN, PhD, Jennifer Heal‐Salahub RN, MN, Elliot PausJenssen MSW, George James BA Hons, MA, Joan Lidington BSN, BSW.

To access the full length paper, visit the Wiley Online Library

Abstract:
"This chapter reviews bullying and relational aggression among LGBT older adults. The intent of this chapter is to define and characterize late-life bullying in general and discuss unique manifestations of this phenomenon for LGBT elders. Special attention is given to peer victimization associated with intersectionality and microaggressions for this population, as well as common types of bullying and the impact bullying experiences have on emotional well-being and quality of life. Promising interventions to minimize bullying related to sexual orientation and gender identity in senior living environments are discussed and include civility training, bystander intervention, and policies and procedures that guide respectful social interactions and prohibit discriminatory actions."

Bonifas R.P. (2016) The Prevalence of Elder Bullying and Impact on LGBT Elders.

This chapter is part of the Handbook of LGBT Elders - An Interdisciplinary Approach to Principles, Practices, and Policies
Harley D., Teaster P. (eds) Handbook of LGBT Elders. Springer, Cham

Source: SpringerLink

The following is part of our project “Increasing Access to Justice for Older Adult Victims of Sexual Assault: A Capacity Building Approach”, funded by the Justice Canada Victims Fund.Learn more about this project or consult the full list of resources

ABSTRACT:
Implicit ageist beliefs about the warmth and incompetence of older adults may influence jurors’ perceptions and judgments of an older adult’s competence in legal cases hinging on capacity and consent, including elder sexual abuse. However, little is known about the nuances of implicit agism in elder sexual abuse cases, and if it can be attenuated. The current study proposed to address these gaps via a randomized vignette design administered to a community sample of 391 US adults. Mock juror participants evaluated an elder sexual abuse case involving an older married couple, in which the victim had dementia. Results suggest that implicit agism was present among mock jurors, consistent with a warm-incompetence bias, and was predictive of mock jurors’ guilt ratings. Age and dementia-relevant jury instructions and mock juror gender were not found to be predictive of guilt ratings. Implicit agism among jurors should be addressed to reduce the potential for implicit age bias to affect elder sexual abuse cases.

Maggie L. Syme & Tracy J. Cohn (2019): Elder sexual abuse and implicit agism: examining the warm-incompetent bias among mock jurors, Journal of Elder Abuse &Neglect, DOI: 10.1080/08946566.2019.1695696

To access the full article: Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect

Abstract:
"Dominant approaches to relational aggression among older adults tend to conceptualize the problem as a behavioralor interpersonal issue, and can inadvertently infantilize the phenomenon as ‘bullying.’ In this article we use a narrative approach and the conceptual lens of precarity to develop an in-depth, theoretically informed analysis of relational aggression between older women in low-income assisted living. The analysis of the narratives of tenants (and a manager) indicated that past life experiences and intersecting threats to power andidentity shaped and could intensify tenants' interpretations of and reactions to others' actions and comments.Conflicts over a) unequal distributions of caring labor, b) control of social activities, and c) access to appreciationare complex and rational responses to precarious contextual conditions. Findings contribute empirically to the body of research on relational aggression among older adults, expanding this field through connecting it to critical gerontological conceptualizations of precarity. Preventing relational aggression requires increased public investment in formal social supports for older adults, challenging dominant discourses that privilege independence, and recognizing how the legacies of past disadvantage and contextual precarity (as opposed to mental illness or dementia) shape social interactions with and responses to others."

Funk L.M., Herron R., Spencer D., Dansereau L., Wrathall M.

Source: Journal of Aging Studies