Risk indicators of elder mistreatment in the community

This study examined risk indicators of chronic verbal aggression, physical aggression, and financial mistreatment in a population-based sample of 1,79 7 independently living elderly in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Included were socio-demographic characteristics, physical and psychological health, and functional capacity. The data were collected using standardized interviews that took place in the homes of the respondents. The results showed that ch ronic verbal aggression was associated with an elder living with a partner or other(s) and in poor or bad health. Physical aggression was associated w ith an elder living with a partner or other(s) and having depressive sympto ms. Finally, financial mistreatment was associated with being male, living alone, being partially dependent in instrumental activities of daily living and having depressive symptoms. The results indicate that the risk indicat ors of victims of financial mistreatment differ from those of chronic verba l aggression and physical aggression, suggesting that financial mistreatmen t may occur more often as a single form of abuse whereas verbal and physica l aggression may more frequently occur together.