"Safeguarding the Silver Years: Community Health Nursing Interventions in Preventing Elder Abuse"

Abstract: Elder abuse is an escalating public health and human rights concern affecting millions of older adults worldwide. As populations age rapidly, the vulnerability of elderly individuals to physical, emotional, financial, and neglect-related abuse increases, particularly within community and domestic settings. Elder abuse often remains hidden due to fear, dependency, social isolation, and cultural stigma, making prevention and early intervention challenging. Community health nurses are uniquely positioned to identify, prevent, and manage elder abuse through comprehensive assessment, advocacy, education, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. This review article critically examines the magnitude and forms of elder abuse, contributing risk factors, and the pivotal role of community health nursing interventions in prevention. Emphasis is placed on primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies, community-based screening, caregiver support, policy advocacy, and ethical responsibilities. The review highlights evidence-based nursing practices and underscores the need for strengthened community systems to ensure dignity, safety, and quality of life for older adults.