Background: Although the number of older immigrants and the prevalence of elder
abuse are increasing in Canada, little is known about their experience of risk
factors for elder abuse. This study examined Arabic-speaking older immigrants’
perception of the factors that increase the risk for elder abuse. Methods: Older Arabic-speaking women (n = 24) and men (n = 31)
completed a questionnaire that inquired about the perceived frequency and
importance of factors that contribute to elder abuse. Descriptive statistics
were used to analyze the data. Results:
Older women identified lack of English language proficiency, social isolation,
and financial dependence as the most frequent, and lack of English language
proficiency, income, and sponsorship status as the most important risk factors.
Older men rated social isolation, lack of English language proficiency, and
financial dependence as the most frequent, and social isolation, racialized,
cultural or ethnic group status, and lack of
English language proficiency as the most important factors contributing to
elder abuse. Conclusion: Offering
language-specific services, designing tailored outreach programs to address
social isolation, and addressing systemic barriers that create financial dependence can help prevent elder abuse in Arabic-speaking immigrant communities.
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