Elder abuse is the mistreatment of older adults, typically above the age of 60. Often, the abuse is from a caretaker, family member or friend, which can be in the form of physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment or financial abuse. Usually the abuse takes place in homes, health care facilities, hospitals — and family homes.

Ageism is a huge factor that contributes to elder abuse. Attitudes that undervalue older generations lead to increased isolation for older people. I believe elder abuse is rooted from a lack of respect and empathy for older people, usually from younger people due to generational values. There is an underlying issue of selfishness that leads to taking advantage of more vulnerable people like elders. In order to solve that, I think there needs to be more programs and institutions put in place to blend generations together.

In order to create a positive environment and relationships, there needs to be a mutual understanding and respect among generations. It starts with kids, through schools, connecting with older people at local elder homes. Elementary schools and high schools need to have programs that create positive relationships between kids and people in elderly living facilities.

Instituting activities like kids reading to elders or playing games helps to form meaningful connections that bridge the gap between generations. This can then prevent a broad scale of elder abuse and disrespect. When there is a lack of understanding among generations, it causes stereotypes that lead to lack of empathy.

Additionally, widespread public awareness can be created throughout communities with workshops about types of abuse and also training for health care workers, social workers or anyone who works with elders about what to look out for and how to help and protect elders.

Although some communities already have programs that protect elders, we need to reach more children and adults within all communities.

If towns can work with agencies that provide services like elder home checks, financial exploitation prevention services or legal advocacy, it can productively arrange support systems for elders while also being a positive outlet. While giving elderly people the resources to advocate for themselves and protect themselves from abuse, it also creates a precedent for adolescents to be mindful of elder abuse and not be an abuser themselves.

Not only does elder abuse awareness create a healthier and happier lifestyle for elders, it also promotes overall respect and kindness for all people. Often elders are put into a category of less respected when in reality they should have more respect. Everyone is on track to become an elder one day. These programs can benefit everyone in different ways.

There is something that everyone can learn from interacting with people who have grown up in a different world than oneself. Whether it’s adults, kids or the actual elders who are taking part in intergenerational activities, contributing to something that is about something more than yourself creates kindness and compassion.

Each year, the Maine Council for Elder Abuse Prevention and the Maine Federation of Women’s Clubs jointly sponsor a statewide scholarship contest focused on raising awareness of elder abuse in Maine. Students applying for the 2025 scholarship were asked: What is elder abuse and what is your solution? The winner in each county was eligible to compete for the statewide award. This, by Elaine Doran, was the winning submission.