Protective factors
Some specific personal or environmental characteristics tend to reduce an older adult’s risk of being mistreated.
Protective factors related to the older adult’s personal characteristics:
- High self-esteem
- Ability to ask for help
- Understanding of emotions and how to express them
- Social participation
- Ability to learn alone and in the community
- Good lifestyle habits
Protective factors related to the older adult’s environment:
- Quality social network made up of appropriate, available and well equipped people
- Healthy physical and psychosocial environment in which the older adult feels safe
- Living environment free from ageism and social exclusion
- Good financial situation and various means to secure assets