Elder abuse and other issues of the older population
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Authors
Choo, Yolanda
Issue Date
2009
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Forensic sciences
Alternative Title
Abstract
The intention of this project was to determine what factors play a role in elder abuse, crime, victimization, and other issues of the older population. This project was inspired by the fact that the aging baby boomers have become a major segment of the elderly. This phenomenon will pose many potential risk factors associated with the older population. As the elderly population increases, the more vulnerable they are to being victimized and to become targets of criminal activity.
Another aspect of the elderly is the type of abuse and mistreatment they may succumb to. Studies show that self-neglect is the most common problem among the elderly. In fact, it is a risk factor for death. Older adults who experience mistreatment have increased levels of psychological distress and face increased mortality rates. Those that are physically or cognitively impaired are at risk for mistreatment due to their inability to seek help or stand up to their abuser. Results show that most mistreatment is committed by someone other than an immediate family member. Research findings present different levels of mistreatment and many types of elder abuse as well as the risk factors involved.