Situational Overview of Elder Abuse in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Sri Lanka has a rapidly increasing ageing population. Currently, the proportion of the population aged 60 years and above has become 12.5%, and it is estimated that by 2021, it would be 16.7%. One in every four Sri Lankan is expected to be an elder by 2041. Magnitude of elder abuse is still hidden in the community. Mainly, it is in the position of under-reporting. Evidences have shown that culture and traditional practices play a major role to keep elder abuse unreported. Female elders are more prone to elder abuse than males in society. It is evident that emotional abuse is more common than physical abuse among female elders and financial abuse is more common than physical abuse among male elders. Proportion of elders aged 80 years and more are increasing in the country and prevalence of non-communicable diseases and disabilities are high among these elders. They are more dependent on caregivers for their Activities of Daily Living. It is evident that such elders are more prone to be victims of elder abuse. Service providers and caregivers need to have sound knowledge of early identification and early intervention to prevent elder abuse. Of the legal documents for well-being of elders in the country, Act No. 9 of 2000 provides legal provision to protect and promotion of rights of elders. Although there are mechanisms to prevent elder abuse, many service providers and caregivers do not follow mechanisms mainly due to lack of awareness and poor attitudes.