Elderly abuse and neglect in digital media: a 1-year review of Turkish newspaper reports.

Abstract

Introduction: This study focuses on how news of neglect and abuse about elderly individuals is given in digital media and the perception toward elderly individuals.

Methods: Eight national newspapers in Turkey were included in the study for the sample. The news texts were obtained from the digital archives of the newspapers and the term 'elderly' was selected as the keyword to accurately search the texts.

Result: The researcher analyzed and divided the collected data into the following categories on elder abuse and neglect: the victim's characteristics, data of the person who inflicted neglect and abuse, the incident's nature and consequences, and the negative concepts mentioned in the incident. The content analysis showed that the related statements and information provided by the media were based on negative concepts and included personal data, including visuals, about the victim.

Conclusions: The findings of the study suggest that elderly individuals, who are a disadvantaged group, are highly exposed to neglect and abuse, and most of them have suffered as they live alone and lack support systems. This study indicated that the media has the potential to raise awareness about neglect and abuse inflicted on the elderly, but it should act more diligently and responsibly.