Background: Globally, elder abuse is a common form of violence against the elderly. This study examines the association of disability and functional ability measures with elder abuse in India. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the UNFPA's 'Building Knowledge Base on Population Ageing in India' (BKPAI 2011) have been analysed. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses have been used to examine the association of measures of disability and functional ability with elder abuse/mistreatment. Results: The overall prevalence of elder abuse in the study population is 11.4%. The prevalence of elder abuse experienced by study participants in the month before the survey is 6%. The prevalence of disability/functional ability increases the likelihood of elder abuse. Furthermore, the association between functional ability and abuse is stronger and consistent among the elderly who experienced abuse in the month preceding the survey. In addition, the association between disability and elder abuse is stronger in urban areas. Another observation is that gender introduces considerable disparities in the association of disability and functional ability measures with elder abuse. While elderly men with more than two disabilities are 1.85 times (95% CI: 1.23, 2.77, p < 0.003) more likely to experience abuse/mistreatment, women are 3.16 times (CI: 2.22, 4.49, p < .001) more exposed to it. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest a significant association of disability and functional ability with elder abuse. The association differs considerably by place of residence and gender. Measures to improve the functional health of the elderly population and measures to protect the elderly with disability and functional limitations are important in preventing abuse/mistreatment in old age.

Globally, elder abuse/mistreatment is a common form of violence against the elderly. This study examines the association between multimorbidity and abuse/mistreatment among the elderly population (60+) in India. Cross-sectional data from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)’s “Building Knowledge Base on Population Aging in India” (BKPAI, 2011) was analyzed. We generated a multimorbidity variable by combining 20 self-reported diagnosed chronic diseases. Bivariate analysis was used to understand the sample distribution and prevalence estimation of elder abuse/mistreatment by multimorbidity and state. Furthermore, multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression was used to examine the association between multimorbidity and elder abuse/mistreatment. The overall prevalence of elder abuse/mistreatment in the study population is 11.4%. The prevalence of elder abuse/mistreatment among elderly with no chronic diseases is 6.01% which increases to 22.7% among elderly with four or more chronic diseases. Furthermore, the result from the multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression showed a close association between multimorbidity and elder abuse. Elderly with two, three, and four or more chronic diseases are 3.02 (CI = 2.33, 3.91, p < .000), 4.16 (CI = 3.02, 5.74, p < .000), and 5.06 (CI = 3.50, 7.31, p <.000) times more likely to experience abuse/mistreatment than elderly with no chronic diseases, respectively. In specific, this association is stronger for the elderly population residing in the urban areas. Furthermore, economic status and educational attainment have a protective role in determining elder abuse/mistreatment in India. In conclusion, multimorbidity has emerged as a significant risk factor of elder abuse/mistreatment in India. Measures to prevent elder abuse should consider the role of multimorbidity.

Elder Abuse/mistreatment and Associated Covariates in India: Results from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI)-Wave 1, 2017-18 OBJECTIVES: Elder abuse leads to significant adverse consequences on overall health and wellbeing outcomes on the elderly including premature mortality. In this study, we assess the prevalence, state-variations and associated factors of elder abuse in India using crosssectional data. METHODS: Nationally representative data from the first wave of the Longitudinal AgeingStudy in India (LASI) was analysed. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to study the prevalence, state-variations and associated factors of elder abuse. RESULTS: Overall, 5.2 per cent of elderly (60+) have experienced abuse in one year prior to the survey and 3 per cent of them have experienced abuse within the household. Among others, verbal abuse or disrespect is the common form of abuse. Further, we observed considerable variations in the prevalence of elder abuse across states and union territories.The highest prevalence was observed in Bihar (11.6%) and Karnataka (10.1%). In the regression analysis, educational attainment has emerged as a protective factor of elder abuse, particularly among women. The older adults who live alone, had functional limitations, multiple morbidity conditions and hospitalised in last one year are more likely to experience abuse. The older adults who experienced abuse are two times more likely to experience depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS:Cross-state variation in the prevalence of elder abuse and subgroup differences suggest state-specific interventions and essential monitoring of older adults with functional limitations, chronic diseases and hospitalisation which can further reduce the prevalence and consequences of elder abuse in India.

One of the most popular goals of most of the development programs and especially of microfinance programs is empowerment of women. Empowerment is closely related to the concept of power, which can be understood in terms of “power to,” “power within,” “power with,” and “power over.” Empowerment can be judged at various levels such as at individual level, family level, and collective level. Microfinance has become an important component of development, poverty reduction, and economic regeneration strategy around the world. By the early 21st century, tens of millions of people in more than 100 countries were accessing services from formal and semi-formal microfinance institutions (MFIs).

One of the most popular goals of most of the development programs and especially of microfinance programs is empowerment of women. Empowerment is closely related to the concept of power, which can be understood in terms of “power to,” “power within,” “power with,” and “power over.” Empowerment can be judged at various levels such as at individual level, family level, and collective level. Microfinance has become an important component of development, poverty reduction, and economic regeneration strategy around the world. By the early 21st century, tens of millions of people in more than 100 countries were accessing services from formal and semi-formal microfinance institutions (MFIs).