Elder abuse and neglect: An overview

The dramatic growth of the American elderly population has great implications for our health care system. The "demographic imperative" that has fueled the awareness of the needs of older adults has a major impact on issues related to social welfare, justice, and economics. There are 45 million people over the age of 60 and 3 million over the age of 85. Those over age 85 represent the fastest growing segment of the elderly population. The number of people 85 and older will be seven times higher in 2050 than it was in 1980. In 2030, 20% of the population will be elderly [1]. With this trend comes a segment of the population that is at risk for abuse, neglect, or self-neglect [2]. We are challenged to be aware of the many faces of elder mistreatment and to understand it in the broader context of domestic violence. All health care professionals working with older adults need to become familiar with the recognition, treatment, and prevention of elder abuse and neglect.