Elder abuse in Poland

Abstract

Poland is a country with a rate of demographic aging similar to other developed nations. The percentage of pesons 60 yrs and older is expected to rise dramatically to 20% by 2020.

The complexity of elderly’s life situations in Poland increases the probability that they will be subject to neglect and abuse.It is difficult to estimate the extent of this problem in Poland.

Polish gerontological literature has not defined abuse and neglect with regard to the elderly people. In this situation is difficult to estimate the extent of this problem in Poland. Individual studies only marginally suggest the existence of this phenomenon. According to this investigations, the following factors take part in elderly abuse:

• * the increased rate of aging of the ruled society (16,5%) compared to urban society(12,8%)- a result of intensive migration process

• * the influence of the residence on the creation, course on results of family conflicts

• * in cities neglect and abuse of the elderly are more frequently (a results of a shortage of flats, lack of specified social roles for old age, their dependency in terms of care and help, and alcohol abuse)

• difficult economic situation for retired people

The kind of elder abuse:

1. 1. psychological aggression occured more often than physical aggression

2. 2. emotional neglect

3. 3. economic neglect

4. 4. isolations from family

5. 5. neglecting the care of older people

6. 6. material abuse

Knowledge about the problems of elder abuse in Poland as not satisfactory till now is currently under discussion and new concept of this phenomenon will be prepared.