Addressing elder abuse: Leadership, resilience and capacity building among older immigrants

(2013 - 2015)

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Researchers: Sepali Guruge, PhD & Atsuko Matsuoka, PhD

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About the project

The abuse of older people in immigrant communities is as an important social concern that affect people's quality of life and their ability to make full contributions to society. The researchers identified that there were gaps in the literature related to elder abuse in immigrant communities. The research project was funded by the Social Sciences Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and focused on the roles of resilience, leadership, and capacity-building in mitigating the abuse of older immigrants. 

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This project focused on the roles of resilience, leadership, and capacity-building in mitigating elder abuse. The researchers conducted a review of existing literature to identify key practices which was shared at a symposium. Through various methods of engagement with the community, the researchers gathered knowledge of various tools and best practices that people use to engage in, and respond to, elder abuse. The researchers filled existing knowledge gaps and disseminated the findings to key stakeholders in the hopes of more effectively addressing this ongoing social problem. The researchers hope to continue strengthening the partnerships that were developed throughout the project to engage in further research.

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Symposium details

A symposium was held on Friday, January 30th from 9:00am - 4:30pm at the Sears Atrium at Ryerson University.

 

The researchers recognized that there are gaps in research, especially in the areas of leadership, resilience, and capacity-building activities that are often undertaken by organizations and older immigrants themselves. The symposium provided an opportunity for the researchers to dialogue with community members and advocates, health care professionals, social and settlement workers, researchers and policymakers on “best practices” to address elder abuse. We also identified key messages that were shared with the media about this important issue. We created a space for various stakeholders to network with each other, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships in order to collaboratively generate new knowledge that can promote the health and social well being of older adults from immigrant communities.

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To read a summary of the symposium, please click here: 

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