VIOLENCE AGAINST OLDER ADULTS: PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGES AND THE ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGY IN PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS

Abstract

 Population aging is one of the major contemporary demographic transformations and has led to significant social, economic, and health-related changes. In this context, violence against older adults has emerged as a serious violation of human rights and a major public health concern. This study aimed to analyze violence against older adults by discussing its main forms of manifestation, associated factors, health consequences, legal protection mechanisms, and the role of Psychology in addressing this phenomenon. This qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study was conducted through a literature review. Scientific articles, institutional documents, and legal frameworks available in databases such as SciELO and the Virtual Health Library (VHL), as well as publications from the World Health Organization, the Brazilian Ministry of Health, and the Federal Council of Psychology, were consulted. The findings indicate that violence against older adults may occur in several forms, including physical, psychological, financial, sexual, institutional violence, neglect, and abandonment, producing significant impacts on the physical, mental, and social health of victims. The review also revealed that factors such as functional dependence, social isolation, family conflicts, caregiver burden, and ageism contribute to increasing the vulnerability of the older population. It is concluded that addressing violence against older adults requires interdisciplinary and intersectoral actions involving healthcare professionals, social services, the justice system, and civil society. The psychologist plays a fundamental role in promoting mental health, providing support to victims, preventing violence, and strengthening protection networks and the guarantee of human rights.