Dominic Ikuabe

Neglect remains one of the most pervasive yet underexplored challenges facing the older adult population in Nigeria, particularly within local communities such as Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. This study examines the traumatic impact of neglect on the health status of older adults, highlighting how abandonment, lack of proper care, and inadequate social support systems exacerbate their vulnerability. The research investigates how neglect manifested through inadequate nutrition, poor medical attention, social isolation, and emotional abandonment contributes to both physical and psychological health deterioration. The findings reveal that neglect not only aggravates chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis but also leads to increased levels of depression, anxiety, and a diminished sense of self-worth among the elderly. Furthermore, neglect has been identified as a barrier to accessing healthcare facilities, thereby deepening the health crisis among older adults in Oredo. By focusing on this case study, the research emphasizes the urgent need for improved family responsibility, community intervention, and government policies targeted at elderly care. The study concludes that addressing the traumatic impact of neglect on older adults requires a multi-dimensional approach involving healthcare systems, social welfare programs, and cultural reorientation towards respect and care for the aged.