The impact of neglect, physical, and financial abuse on mental health among older adults: a systematic review.

Objectives

This systematic review aimed to examine the impact of elder abuse, specifically neglect, physical and financial abuse on mental health outcomes among older adults in the United States. It also sought to identify intervention strategies and highlight gaps in the existing literature. Method: A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, ProQuest, and Google Scholar for articles published from 1990 onwards. After applying predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 studies were selected from an initial pool of 251 articles. Data extraction focused on abuse types, prevalence rates, mental health outcomes, and methodological approaches. Studies were categorized based on abuse type and associated mental health outcomes. This review was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024561162).

Results

Physical abuse was consistently associated with increased risks of depression and anxiety, with cultural factors influencing reporting rates. Financial abuse often led to emotional distress, social isolation, and compounded mental health challenges. Neglect was closely tied to loneliness and deteriorating well-being. Methodological limitations, including reliance on cross-sectional designs and self-reported data, were prevalent among the reviewed studies. These limitations underscore the need for longitudinal research to establish causality.

Conclusion

Elder abuse significantly impacts mental health, particularly through physical, financial, and neglectful abuse. Effective prevention strategies should include caregiver support, financial education, multidisciplinary approaches, and tailored interventions. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies to explore causal relationships and quantify the broader social and economic impacts of elder abuse. Addressing these gaps is critical to improving prevention, support systems, and policy frameworks aimed at safeguarding older adults' mental health and well-being.