Violence and Aggression against Older Adults: What Works? What Works Best?

Abstract

Elder mistreatment is recognized as a pervasive public health concern with major individual consequences, including shortened survival, and societal costs. With a global aging population, the scope of elder mistreatment is expected to double worldwide by the 2040s. Given the expanding scope of elder mistreatment and associated consequences, a focus on prevention is urgently warranted. Our knowledge and understanding of elder mistreatment prevention strategies remains the largest gap in the literature. This chapter provides a brief background to basic elder mistreatment knowledge and describes the state of the literature on elder mistreatment primary and secondary prevention strategies. It highlights emerging theory and promising prevention options that warrant further rigorous research attention, including caregiver support interventions, financial management programs, helplines, multidisciplinary teams, and emergency shelters.