A new study by Burnes and colleagues published in Nature Aging, based on data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, uses a national, longitudinal, population-based design to advance our understanding of elder mistreatment risk and protective factors beyond the existing cross-sectional research on the topic. The study found that:
- One in ten older adults across Canada experience some form of elder mistreatment each year.
- Older adults who experienced higher levels of childhood maltreatment were more likely to experience elder mistreatment in later life.
- Older adults with greater vulnerability related to physical, cognitive and mental health status and shared living were at higher risk of elder mistreatment.
- Higher levels of social support were protective against elder mistreatment.
- Older adults identifying as Black or reporting financial need were at heightened risk of elder mistreatment.
This longitudinal, population-based study strengthens our understanding of elder mistreatment risk and protective factors across several domains and informs the development of prevention strategies. Access the abstract and article here. (a subscription to Nature Aging or an institution login is required to read the article in full).
