For the first time, it is projected there will be more senior citizens than children

by Stephanie Esquivel

For the first time, it is projected there will be more senior citizens than children (Getty Images)

For the first time, the U.S. Census Bureau is projecting that over the next decade, there will be more senior citizens than children. Adult Protective Services says that could be a source of concern because Bexar County has the second-highest number of elder abuse cases in the entire state. 

“Here in Bexar County, we receive the second highest number of incidents of neglect, abuse and exploitation in the state,” said Ann Cortez, a District Director for Adult Protective Services.

Cortez says elders become more susceptible to various crimes as they grow older.

“Older adults who are isolated in the community are much more susceptible to exploitation, to being taken advantage of, they are susceptible to neglect, self-neglect,” said Cortez.

Cortez said older adults can fall victims to scams but more often they are financially taken advantage of by people they know.

“Maybe relying on the wrong individual or you can run into situations where people that you trusted begin to take advantage of you both financially and also neglect you,” said Cortez.

She added that it’s a growing trend.

“We are also seeing a rise in financial exploitation cases where the elder is being taken advantage of by either a caregiver, a family member,” said Cortez.

Maria Lopez works at Texas Senator Jose Menendez’s office and oversees taking calls for elder abuse reports. She said in many cases, these older adults don’t realize they are being financially abused before it’s too late.

“A grandchild handed you some papers, took you to eat tacos and then took you to a layer to turn over your house to him or her,” said Lopez.

She said if you have a loved one who is getting older, you need to make sure their caretake has their best interest at heart and any red flags should prompt you to make a report to adult protective services.

“She would some over, go with him to cash his checks and then take off. He was filled with roaches it was filthy, it was not clean,” said Lopez.

Officials with adult protective services also said if you are close to any elders, you should be paying attention to any changes in their behavior or spending habits as these could be signs they are being abused.

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For the first time, it is projected there will be more senior citizens than children