Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Preying on the Elderly: An Age Old Problem Worsens

It's an old story with a couple of twists.

When we age, strength and memory decline and we depend more on others, who don't always do right by us.

What's new is that reports of abuse of senior citizens are increasing, and "abuse" has come to include theft.

Older people are being robbed by their children, grandchildren, caregivers, friends and strangers. It can be as devastating as physical abuse, since people on fixed incomes usually have little chance to recover from the loss of money and property.

It makes sense that seniors are targeted, since 70 percent of all the country's wealth belongs to people age 50 and older, said Marie Johnson, executive director of Senior Services of Stamford, a 101-year-old organization that helps seniors manage their money, offers financial aid and connects them to services.

According to the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, half of those who steal from seniors are adult children and other relatives.

Full Article and Source:
Preying on Elderly: An Age-Old Problem Worsens

3 comments:

Thelma said...

"According to the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, half of those who steal from seniors are adult children and other relatives."

Who are the other half?

NASGA knows!

StandUp said...

I know who the other half is too --- it's the "professionals" as in lawyers, financial advisors, etc.

Now why do we suppose "they" tend to leave out that side of the story?

Anonymous said...

The other half are probably Court Appointed Professional Guardians. I don't know about your parents but, I know my mom would rather have my sister who loves her continue to spend her money than the court appointed guardian who is neglecting and exploiting her while keeping her isolated from her family.