Violence In Older Adults: Scope, Impact, Challenges, And Strategies For Prevention.

TitleViolence In Older Adults: Scope, Impact, Challenges, And Strategies For Prevention.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsRosen T, Makaroun LK, Conwell Y, Betz M
JournalHealth Aff (Millwood)
Volume38
Issue10
Pagination1630-1637
Date Published2019 Oct
ISSN1544-5208
KeywordsAged, Elder Abuse, Female, Firearms, Humans, Intimate Partner Violence, Male, Mental Disorders, Risk Factors, Suicide, Suicide Prevention, Veterans
Abstract

Although often perceived to be a problem of the young, violence commonly affects older adults, a rapidly growing segment of the population. Violence can be directed toward older adults (elder abuse and intimate partner violence), self-directed (suicide), or perpetrated by older adults against others (intimate partner violence and violence in dementia). Across forms of violence, firearm access increases lethality, and veterans may be a particularly high-risk population. The forms of violence in older adults have some common risk factors (such as medical or psychiatric illness) and common challenges for prevention (such as balancing autonomy and well-being in vulnerable adults). The integration of prevention strategies across the life span, disciplines, and forms of violence offers promise for promoting older adult health and well-being. Looking forward, key areas for attention will include raising awareness about these topics and prioritizing funding for the implementation and evaluation of violence prevention interventions in health care settings and the community.

DOI10.1377/hlthaff.2019.00577
Alternate JournalHealth Aff (Millwood)
PubMed ID31589527
PubMed Central IDPMC7327526
Grant ListP30 AG024827 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
K23 AG043123 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
K76 AG054866 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
R34 MH113539 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
R49CE002093 / ACL / ACL HHS / United States