Violence against the elderly: ethical and political dimensions of an ascendant problematic

Abstract

Elder abuse is an evident phenomenon into the current worldwide ageing population. This paper intents to show a reflection about elder abuse, based on scientific reviews. This is an actualization paper that intents to approach the main themes about the matter; also aims to emphasize how this subject is treated by the current elder health policy in Brazil, by an ethical focus. It was noticed that elders abuse is a low worked matter by the society and health professionals. Brazil has a policy of promotion and prevention on elder abuse, that do not have been fully implemented yet, neither by the singularity of each area. Nurses, specifically, have to treat their abused patients with empathy and resolubility.

Key words:Violence; Elder; Health Services for the Aged; Health Policy; Ethics.