Elder Abuse

Nature and Extent of Major Forms of Elder Abuse

A number of estimates of the extent of elder abuse exist throughout the literature. This research generally suggests that elder abuse is relatively common. Recent results from the National Elder Mistreatment Study indicate that 1 out of every 10 community-dwelling elders surveyed reported an experience with elder abuse within the past year. Scholars suggest that elder abuse is likely to increase over the next several decades due to a growing number of elders in the population. Specifically, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that more than one fifth of the U.S. population (approximately 88 million people) will be age 65 or older by year 2050. It is difficult, if not impossible, to determine the true extent of elder abuse not only because of definitional issues but also because of underreporting. Findings from the National Elder Abuse Incidence Study (NEAIS) suggest that 1 in 5 cases of elder abuse is reported to authorities, whereas other research indicates that only 1 in 14 cases is reported. Even though prevalence estimates vary and likely underestimate the true extent of elder abuse, the majority of scholars agree that elder abuse is a complex phenomenon involving a variety of abusive behaviors, and in many cases, victims experience more than one form of abuse.

Physical abuse is the use of physical force that may lead the victim to be physically harmed and/or impaired. Findings from community-based samples and official data show that physical abuse is less common compared with other forms of elder abuse. Only 1.6% of the elderly individuals surveyed in the National Elder Mistreatment Study reported experiencing physical abuse in the past year. Examples of physical abuse include slapping, hitting with a fist or an object, burning, and choking. Additionally, the improper use of physical and chemical constraints, force-feeding, and the use of physical punishments such as spanking are considered forms of physical elder abuse. The improper use of physical constraints refers to situations where an elder is unnecessarily tied to an object like a bed to control his or her behavior. In comparison, the improper use of chemical constraints involves the improper use of medications to control the elder's behavior. Signs of physical abuse are typically very visible and include physical indicators such as bruises, cuts, and broken bones.

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