Mistreatment of older adults

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