Public Health Surveillance and Intervention for Abuse of Older Adults

Dear Colleagues,

Population aging is a global phenomenon, yet its pace and associated challenges are most pronounced in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where health and social protection systems face the immense challenge of responding to the needs of a rapidly growing older adult population. Within this context, older adults abuse has emerged as a critical, yet frequently overlooked, public health issue with profound implications for human rights, physical and mental health, and quality of life. Despite being recognized by international bodies for over two decades, systematic surveillance and evidence-based interventions remain limited—particularly in LMICs, where the convergence of accelerated demographic transition, persistent social inequalities, and the urgent need to strengthen institutional frameworks heightens the vulnerability of older populations.

This Special Issue aims to contribute to the global health agenda by serving as a multidisciplinary forum for compiling and disseminating robust evidence on two fundamental pillars of the public health response to older adults abuse: surveillance and intervention. We particularly welcome studies from LMICs that document the magnitude, risk factors, and diverse manifestations of abuse across settings, as well as research that evaluates prevention strategies, early detection programs, and care models adapted to resource-limited contexts. Contributions from high-income countries are also encouraged, especially those offering comparative insights or lessons applicable across different health system realities.

We invite researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to contribute original research, reviews, and case studies that not only highlight the problem but also propose and assess concrete solutions. By consolidating knowledge across diverse global contexts—with a special emphasis on underserved populations—this Special Issue aims to inform culturally sensitive policies, strengthen health system responses, and ultimately contribute to healthy aging free from violence worldwide.

Dr. Liliana Giraldo-Rodríguez
Guest Editor

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