Elderly Population Rise: Potential for Increased Abuse

INTROCUCTION The elderly population has been steadily rising as the generation known as the “Baby Boomers” matures. In 2010 the United States census reported the proportion of people age 65 and older to be approximately 40.3 million, or thirteen percent (U.S. Dept. of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, 2011). This trend is predicted to continue and by 2050 it is estimated that over twenty percent of the United States population will be over the age of 65. In addition, the fastest growing segment of this population will consist of those over the age of 85, or approximately 19 million people (U.S. Dept. of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, 2010). Due to the increase of elderly people in the population the potential for mistreatment and abuse has

Elders who are abused have a 300% higher risk of death when compared to those who had not been abused. The impact is felt even by those seniors who were moderately abused. Research has also demonstrated that seniors who are abused suffer from increased levels of psychological distress and have decreased levels of confidence and self-sufficiency as compared to those not abused (Comijs, Penninx, Knipscheer, & van Tilburg, 1999). Additionally, victims also have a higher incidence of health related problems to include: bone and joint disorders, digestive problems, depression, anxiety, mental health problems, chronic pain, high blood pressure, and heart problems (Coker, Davis, Arias, Desai, Sanderson, Brandt, 2002).
Victims of elder abuse also represent a significant financial cost of 5 billion dollars annually due to increased utilization of health services. In addition to medical expenses it is estimated that financial loss due to exploitation was estimated to be $2.9 billion in 2009, a 12% increase compared to 2008 (National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, Virginia Tech, Metlife Mature Market Institute,