Abuse of Older Persons

Abuse of older persons (physical, sexual, financial, or psychological), neglect, and self-neglect are major public health problems, sometimes underdiagnosed and overlooked because of a poor clinician education regarding this “geriatric giant.” The recognition of mistreatment or suspected abuse in older persons needs the careful evaluation of relationships with caregivers to identify both risk factors and warning signs. About 95% of older people live with their spouses, children, siblings, or other relatives or paid caregivers; these are usually the potential abusers. Although some cases of abuse of older persons (AOP) have criminal aspects, often the abuse is subtle, and the distinction between normal interpersonal stress and abuse is not easy to discern. Appropriate preventive interventions aim to protect the most vulnerable older persons at risk.