Understanding older adults’ perspectives on elder abuse and neglect has received limited attention. Despite decades of deliberation and scholarly debates, there remains no clear consensus on what constitutes abuse. This scoping review examines how older adults conceptualize elder abuse and neglect. A systematic search across seven databases and three journals identified 44 articles. Thematic analysis revealed key themes, including associations between abuse and harmful consequences, such as physical injuries, emotional distress, and psychological trauma. Debates on severity, frequency, intent, and context highlight ambiguities in older adults’ awareness of elder abuse and neglect. Behaviors perceived as abusive or neglectful were categorized into five main types: physical, psychological, financial, sexual, and neglect. Additional themes emerged, such as social and discriminatory abuse. Cultural contexts significantly influence the perceptions of older people, with diverse interpretations shaped by intentionality and care practices across communities. Although most studies were conducted in high-income countries, participants were predominantly from Asian communities, where filial piety and collectivistic values are emphasized. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies to explore evolving conceptualizations of abuse, refine measurement tools to capture nuanced understandings, and identify emerging forms of abuse.
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