The University of Pittsburgh recently released a new study indicating African American seniors are twice as likely to suffer psychological mistreatment and five times more likely to suffer financial exploitation than other seniors.
The University interviewed 903 seniors in Allegheny County 60 years of age and older. Of the entire group, 210 African Americans were interviewed. The interview questions were geared toward determining whether any of the seniors-since turning the age of 60-suffered psychological abuse or financial exploitation within the past six months.
Psychological Abuse
The members of the group were regarded as suffering psychological abuse if they were: insulted or yelled at, had personal property destroyed, threatened with injury, forced into a care facility, or had necessary care discontinued.
Psychological Abuse of African Americans
The results revealed a startling number of African Americans studied who received psychological abuse.
- Roughly 24 percent of African Americans in the study reported suffering psychological abuse since turning the age of 60
- Roughly 16 percent of African Americans in the study reported suffering psychological abuse within the past six months.
Psychological Abuse of Other Groups
A significantly lower number of seniors in other groups reportedly suffered psychological abuse.
- Approximately 13 percent of seniors in other groups reported abuse since turning 60-years-old
- Roughly 7 percent of seniors in other groups reported abuse within the past six months.
Financial Exploitation
The study defined a senior who suffered from financial exploitation if he or she was persuaded to sign documents he or she did not understand, had money tampered with or checks stolen.
Financial Exploitation of African Americans
More than twice as many African Americans reported being financially swindled than other seniors of the group.
- Roughly 23 percent of African American elders reported being swindled since turning the age of 60
- Roughly 13 percent of African American elders reported being swindled within the past 6 months.
Financial Exploitation of Other Groups
Less than half of other groups studied reported financial exploitation.
- Roughly 8 percent of all other elders reported being swindled since turning the age of 60
- Approximately 2 percent of all other elders reported being swindled within the past 6 months.
The University noted that, unbeknownst, the racial disparity in the findings could not be explained by other factors including education, health, age or socioeconomic status.
