Arizona Expert Helps Expose Bullying in the Elderly
Seniors Can Bully and be Bullied Too
Robin Bonifas, a social work professor at Arizona State University, is author of the book “Bullying Among
Older Adults: How to Recognize and Address an Unseen Epidemic,” says 1 in 5 seniors encounters bullying. She sees it as an outgrowth of frustrations characteristic in communal settings, as well a reflection of issues unique to getting older. Many elderly see their independence and sense of control disappear and, for some, becoming a bully can feel like regaining some of that lost power.“It makes them feel very out of control,” Bonifas said, “and the way they sort of get on top of things and make their name in this new world is intimidating, picking on people, gossiping.”
There is not a lot of recognition of bullying as a problem with seniors compared with younger people. For those who have been called bullies, many are unaware of their behavior until they are labeled. The National Center for Assisted Living initiated a campaign last year around the country trying to spread the word about Senior Bullying.
“In the life cycle, it does’t go away,” said Katherine Arnold, a member of the city Human Rights Commission in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, which created a public service announcement on its community-access station that included a portrayal of a man who was excluded from a card game and became the subject of gossip by other seniors. “There’s really not a lot of escape.”
A Fox10 article “A Surprising Bullying Battleground Senior Centers” reports “that senior bullying isn’t physical but involves name-calling, rumors and exclusion. At a senior high-rise, a woman who saw herself as the queen of the parking garage would key the cars of those who crossed her. Elsewhere, laundry rooms became vicious places where the bullied had their detergent stolen and their clothes thrown on the floor. Bingo rooms so often devolved into battlefields — with lucky newcomers badgered and accused of cheating by veteran players — she came to call it “the devil’s game.”
At BrightStar Care of Phoenix we want to recognize the impact of bullying on all ages and work to create a safe and inclusive community, including ensuring our clients always feel cared for and respected. Learn how our Nurse-Led Team of home health car provider help seniors in Phoenix – CLICK HERE