Lack of Association of Elder Mistreatment With Mortality.

TitleLack of Association of Elder Mistreatment With Mortality.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsPillemer K, Burnes D, Hancock D, Eckenrode J, Rosen T, MacNeil A, Lachs MS
JournalJ Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci
Date Published2021 Nov 19
ISSN1758-535X
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Prior research is limited and inconsistent on the degree to which elder mistreatment (EM) is associated with mortality. This study uses data from a 10-year, prospective, population-based study of EM to determine the adjusted effects of EM on older adult mortality, after controlling for other health and socioeconomic covariates.

METHODS: The New York State Elder Mistreatment Prevalence Study conducted a random-sample telephone survey of older adults (n = 4 156) in 2009 (Wave 1). The current study employs EM and covariate data from Wave 1 and data on mortality status through Wave 2 (2019). EM was operationalized both as experiencing EM and as severity of EM. The survey measured overall EM and separate subtypes (emotional, physical, and financial abuse, and neglect).

RESULTS: The hypothesis was not supported that abused and neglected older people would have higher rates of death over the study. Individuals who were victims of EM were no more likely to die over the following 10 years, compared with those who were not mistreated, after controlling for covariates. Furthermore, the severity of EM, as measured by the frequency of mistreatment behaviors, also was not associated with mortality risk.

CONCLUSIONS: The finding that self-reported EM did not raise the risk of earlier death in this sample is encouraging. Future research should work to identify factors that may moderate the relationship between EM and mortality, such as social support/isolation, quality of family relationships, or involvement with formal support service systems.

DOI10.1093/gerona/glab348
Alternate JournalJ Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci
PubMed ID34939085
Grant List1R01AG060080-01 / NH / NIH HHS / United States
P30AG022845 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States

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