Which term refers to the improper treatment of elderly individuals?

The term that accurately describes the improper treatment of elderly individuals is elder abuse. This encompasses a wide range of harmful behaviors, including physical harm, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and abandonment. Recognizing elder abuse is essential for protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring their safety and welfare.

In contrast, caregiving refers to the support provided to elderly individuals, which can be positive or negative, depending on the context. Social assistance is about providing help to individuals in need, but it does not specifically address the abusive context. Retirement benefits pertain to financial support for individuals post-employment and are unrelated to the treatment of the elderly in terms of abuse or neglect. Understanding these distinctions helps in identifying and addressing elder abuse effectively.