Violence Against Older Americans on the Rise

A new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found rates of violence against older Americans, particularly men, have risen in recent years, according to U.S. News & World Report . The rate of nonfatal assaults against adults 60 and older climbed by about 53 percent between 2008 and 2016, after remaining relatively flat from 2002 to 2008. "The older adult U.S. population is growing faster than are younger populations, yet violence against older adults has received little attention," the researchers noted. The highest rates of nonfatal assaults and homicides occurred against men in their 60s on average, while the homicide rate was lowest among women in their 60s, and women in their 70s had the lowest nonfatal assault rate. "Many older adults require care and are vulnerable to violence perpetrated by a caregiver or someone they trust," the study said. An estimated 58 percent of perpetrators of violence against older adults were familiar with their victims, and a separate report indicated about 50 percent of homicides of older people were committed by a friend or relative. The researchers suggested emergency departments could be optimal medical environments for identifying at-risk seniors and helping those already affected by violence.