Elder financial exploitation: implications for future policy and research in elder mistreatment

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Criminology
• Public Health

Background:

• Elder mistreatment is a growing concern, with financial exploitation being highly prevalent among older adults.
• International organizations like the World Bank and World Health Organization recognize the severe physical and emotional consequences of financial exploitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the proportion of financial exploitation within elder mistreatment.
• To analyze the impact of elder financial exploitation on victims.
• To explore implications for future research and policy regarding financial elder abuse.

Main Methods:

• The study defines the proportion of financial exploitation relative to other forms of elder mistreatment.
• It discusses the potential effects on victims and implications for policy and research.

Main Results:

• Financial exploitation is identified as one of the most frequent types of elder mistreatment.
• The research highlights the connection between financial exploitation and physical/emotional harm.

Conclusions:

• Elder financial exploitation warrants further investigation as a form of violence.
• There is a need for enhanced research and policy development addressing the financial aspects of elder mistreatment.