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Chapter 2: Elder Abuse in Africa with a Special Focus on Nigeria

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The Worldwide Face of Elder Abuse

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Abstract

Elder abuse is a recognized problem in African societies, including Nigeria, but its extent remains difficult to determine due to inadequate reporting and varying definitions. The prevalence of elder abuse varies across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones due to ethnic differences and the diversity of assessment tools used. This article explores elder abuse among community-dwelling older persons in Nigeria, with a focus on two case studies. The first case study highlights the vulnerability of older women who experience neglect, physical and verbal abuse. Traditional expectations place the responsibility of care on adult children, but societal changes such as urbanization and youth unemployment complicate this arrangement. The second case study focuses on the vulnerability of older men, which may be compounded by factors such as polygamy, disability, and poverty. The article emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy to address population ageing, strengthen research efforts, and generate knowledge for evidence-based decision-making. Elder abuse prevention is seen as a government responsibility, but family support and intergenerational care are crucial. Encouraging youth and children to participate in caregiving and providing training and support for family caregivers are important steps in protecting the well-being of older persons.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rehabilitative and Social Medicine Unit, Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Eniola Olubukola Cadmus

  2. Community Geriatrics Unit, Chief Tony Anenih Geriatric Centre, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Eniola Olubukola Cadmus

  3. Family Medicine Unit, Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Lawrence Adekunle Adebusoye

  4. Chief Tony Anenih Geriatric Centre, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Lawrence Adekunle Adebusoye

Authors
  1. Eniola Olubukola Cadmus
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  2. Lawrence Adekunle Adebusoye
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Correspondence to Eniola Olubukola Cadmus .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Gerontology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA

    Pamela B. Teaster

  2. Schools of Applied Social Sciences and Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, South Euclid, OH, USA

    Georgia J. Anetzberger

  3. Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Elizabeth Podnieks

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Cadmus, E.O., Adebusoye, L.A. (2023). Chapter 2: Elder Abuse in Africa with a Special Focus on Nigeria. In: Teaster, P.B., Anetzberger, G.J., Podnieks, E. (eds) The Worldwide Face of Elder Abuse. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-34888-4_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-34888-4_3

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