PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Elder abuse is a serious health issue that has only increased since the pandemic. We are just beginning to see the data surrounding the issue, and it appears that reduction of health services and isolation during the pandemic has increased the incidence of problems.
The CDC points to several areas of elder abuse. It can be physical, sexual or emotional, but some of the most serious cases involve neglect and financial abuse.
Far too many cases go undetected, but it is estimated that one in 10 people over the age of 60 is a victim. We know that, in a 15-year period ending in 2016, more than 650,000 people in that age group were treated for non-fatal injuries.
Men are more likely to be victimized than women.
Firearm injuries and fatalities — inflicted by a person known to the elderly victim — are up 39%.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.