Behind Closed Doors: Elder Abuse as an Overlooked Pandemic of Modern Times

Elder abuse is internationally recognized as a growing problem of the 21st century that requires urgent intervention and action. This review aimed to synthesize evidence on the prevalence and risk factors of elder abuse between 2010 and 2022. A total of 2875 articles were identified through database searches, of which 28 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis (24 cross-sectional studies, 3 prospective studies, and 1 descriptive study). Reported prevalence rates of elder abuse ranged from 2.2% to 81.2% overall, while studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic reported rates ranging from 1.6% to 44.7%. Psychological abuse was the most frequently reported form of violence. The most commonly identified risk factors included low income, low educational level, gender, disability, depression, and—during the COVID-19 pandemic—social isolation. Across most studies, individuals with lower education and women were statistically more likely to experience abuse. The findings indicate substantial variability in the prevalence of elder abuse both before and during the pandemic, with consistently high rates observed. These results highlight the urgent need for improved screening, education, and targeted interventions by healthcare and social service professionals.