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WHO IS MOST AT RISK OF ELDER ABUSE?
WHO IS MOST AT RISK OF ELDER ABUSE?
While any older adult can experience EA, there are a number of factors that increase the likelihood of being mistreated. Check them out by scanning through the carousel below.
In addition, the Center for Disease Control reports that risk for an older adult increases when family members and other caregivers have:
LACK OF EXPERIENCE OR SUPPORT IN CAREGIVING
Caregiving can be both rewarding - and incredibly taxing. Caregivers frequently experience high levels of stress, caregiver burden, mood disorders, and social isolation, all of which have been identified as risk factors for EA (Orfila et al., 2018). This can be exacerbated when a carer has other caregiving responsibilities - for example, supporting both a parent and their own children. In addition, caregivers are unsupported in undertaking this work, leading them to feel overwhelmed and anxious.
A HISTORY OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ISSUES
Mental health and substance use challenges have been shown to be the most significant predictors of EA, with studies reporting that mental health issues were implicated in 14-35% of cases of harm, while substance use concerns were present in 20-50% of cases (Storey, 2022). These findings are likely due to increased dependency on the older adult, higher levels of stress, and lower levels of emotional regulation on the part of the person causing harm (Storey, 2022).
POOR INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Disharmony within the family and "poor or conflictual relationships" significantly increased the risk of an older adult experiencing EA (Johannesen & LoGiudice, 2013). Relationship strain with a spouse contributes to higher levels of psychological abuse, while the risk of financial exploitation grows in situations in which the older person has poor relationship support with family or relationship strain with a friend (Xue et al., 2022).
DEPENDENCY ON THE OLDER ADULT
Studies have also shown that people responsible for Elder Abuse are more likely to be dependent on the older adult for various kinds of assistance, including emotional support, financial help, housing, and more (Pillemer et al., 2016). The dependent relationship can lead to resentment of the older adult and subsequent abuse, especially if they are unwilling to provide resources to a family member (Merck Manual, 2024).,
There are also factors that can help to protect older adults against the risk of Elder Abuse, including:
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
The ability to perceive
and manage emotions
promotes higher levels
of self-efficacy, which has been shown to protect against EA.
SOCIAL SUPPORT AND CONNECTION
Higher levels of positive
social interactions
and greater social embeddedness may prevent older adults
from experiencing EA.
PERSONAL PURPOSE AND MEANING
Higher levels of purpose
in life have been associated with improved well-being in older
adults, which can help to
mitigate the risk of EA.
PROTECTIVE FACTORS
ENABLED BY
LIFELONG COMMUNITIES
Higher levels of community cohesion and a strong sense of community or community identity
Higher levels of community functionality and collective efficacy
If you believe that an older adult is in a situation of imminent, life-threatening harm,
CALL 911 NOW.
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