Abuse of Elder Men

Although more elderly women are the victims of abuse then men, it is a serious problem for men and one which has its own sets of challenges since men are more likely to be hide the abuse. As a result, true figures on its frequency may be seriously obscured.

http://www.cnpea.ca/abuse_of_older_men.htm

Abuse of older men is under-recognized and there are strong social norms against men acknowledging being abused. It has been suggested that aging and ageism can leave people of either sex open to abuse or neglect in later life, especially when the person has disabling conditions and must rely on others. It is clear that abuse and neglect in later life significantly affect the lives of anyone who experiences it, man or woman.

In general, older men tend to have more financial resources than older women, which may leave the men more vulnerable to financial exploitation by family members or others. Older men are more likely than older women to actively seek out new relationships sometimes with younger women after becoming widowed, out of loneliness. Most men and women continue to have strong emotional and sexual feelings well into later life. It is important not to stereotype May-December relationships between women and men as exploitive.

Older men often feel sadness and resignation with the abuse or neglect they are experiencing. Like many older women experiencing abuse, older men may act in ways which protect the abuser. Also like any abused or neglected person, older men want someone there to listen to them and their concerns and not take sides with the abuser.