Elder abuse, or the abuse of older adults, has been defined as any deliberate action or lack of action that causes harm to an older adult. Neglecting an older adult by not doing something can be just as abusive as actually striking the older adult physically. Under- or over-medicating a person might also constitute abuse. Violating the civil rights of a person, for example, by not allowing him or her to have visitors or to go out, can also constitute abuse.

The harm caused by abuse can be

• physical,
• emotional,
• sexual, or
• financial.