At the sociocultural level, a representation of an older person as weak and dependent, lack of funds to pay for care, elderly people who need assistance but live alone, and destruction of bonds between the generation of a family are possible factors in elder abuse. Research and statistics
There has been a general lack of reliable data in this area and it is often argued that the absence of data is a reflection of the low priority given to work associated with older people. However, over the past decade there has been a growing amount of research into the nature and extent of elder abuse. The research still varies considerably in the definitions being used, who is being asked, and what is being asked. As a result, the statistics used in this area vary considerably. One study suggests that around 25% of vulnerable older adults will report abuse in the previous month, totaling up to 6% of the general elderly population. However, some consistent themes are beginning to emerge from interactions with abused elders, and through limited and small scale research projects. Work undertaken in Canada suggests that approximately 70% of elder abuse is perpetrated against women and this is supported by evidence from the Hourglass helpline in the UK, which identifies women as victims in 67% of calls. Also domestic violence in later life may be a continuation of long term partner abuse and in some cases, abuse may begin with retirement or the onset of a health condition.
Risk factors for elder abuse
Various risk factors increase the likelihood that an elderly person will become a victim of elder abuse, including an elderly person who:
Has memory problems (such as dementia)
Has a mental illness, either long-standing or recent
Has physical disabilities
Has depression, loneliness, or lack of social support
Abuses alcohol or other substances
Takes prescribed medications that impair judgment
Is verbally or physically combative with the caregiver
Has a shared living situation
Has a criminal historySeveral other risk factors increase the likelihood that a caregiver will participate in elder abuse, including a caregiver who:
Feels overwhelmed or resentful
Has a history of substance abuse or a history of abusing others
Is dependent on the older person for housing, finances, or other needs
Has mental health problems
Is unemployed
Has a criminal history
Has a shared living situationIn addition:

Lower income or poverty has been found to be associated with elder abuse. Low economic resources have been conceptualized as a contextual or situational stressor contributing to elder abuse. Living with a large number of household members other than a spouse is associated with an increased risk of abuse, especially financial abuse.Risk factors can also be categorized into individual, relationship, community, and sociocultural levels. At the individual level, elders who have poor physical and mental health are at higher risk. At the relationship level, a shared living situation is a huge risk factor for the elderly, and living in the same area as the abuser is more likely to result in abuse. At the community level, caregivers may knowingly or inadvertently cause social isolation of the elderly.