When people envision a bully, they think about a young kid or adolescent picking on someone smaller than them. What happens when an adult becomes the victim of bullying?
n many senior communities, bullying appears in words and actions. “Many people can have trouble with the transition into senior living,” says Beth Sholom, who runs an informational program to educate people in retirement communities about the issue of senior bullying. “Their loss of independence can make them feel powerless. Acting out by bullying others is an admittedly unhealthy way of trying to feel more in control of what is happening in their lives.”
Bullying can also vary based on gender. Women are more likely to create “mean girl groups” where they make newcomers feel left out—either by not allowing the newcomers to sit with them during meals or spreading gossip about the newcomers. Male bullies are more likely to display aggressive behavior such as yelling or threatening others.
California State University, San Bernardino published a report, “Bullying Among Older Adults in Retirement Homes: An Unknown Epidemic.” The report identified additional consequences for victims of senior bullying, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and social isolation.
Social isolation can be devastating to a person’s health. The report states, “Older adults who do not have a healthy network suffer from depression, and they are at a higher risk of cognitive deterioration. Moreover, men are at a higher risk of committing suicide. Older adults change their behavioral habits by smoking, drinking and increasing their unhealthy eating habits.”