Whenever someone complains about getting a little older, there’s usually a wiseacre around to quip, “…beats the alternative.” While that sentiment is certainly true enough, the elderly in America face many challenges beyond those associated with aching joints and forgetfulness. Understanding some of the hidden challenges associated with getting older is increasingly important in light of our “graying” population. According to U. S. Census Bureau projections, 62 million (19 percent) Americans will be age 65 or older by 2025.
According to the U. S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime Office, crimes of elder abuse, exploitation and victimization are on the rise. In a recent report, OVC states, “For criminals, identity theft is a high-yield, low-risk crime. This is particularly true when the victims are older individuals (seniors) who have retired…and are… living on a fixed income. Without… earnings to pay off debt and meet daily needs, many senior victims face a grim recovery from victimization and can be particularly in need of assistance.”
This situation is complicated by the fact that seniors are often less comfortable with all the trappings of computer technology, especially online banking and e-commerce. This makes them particularly vulnerable targets for a whole host of financial and identity crimes. This is not to say that all seniors are luddites. Quite the opposite is true. Rather, it is to highlight the fact that those who did not grow up surrounded by the whir of desktop computers simply have chosen to continue along the more familiar path.
The OVC report also admonishes that identity theft knows no boundaries when it comes to income or affluence. OVC includes an interview with the nonagenarian celebrity, Mickey Rooney, who fell victim to abuse.
Rooney, whose entertainment career is now in its ninth decade, says he fell prey to the avarice of his stepson, Chris Aber, who had been retained to manage his personal affairs and finances. What began as a family member helping an old man negotiate daily life, according to Rooney, turned into an orgiastic free-for-all on the actor’s tab. In a cascade of unchecked spending and abusive behavior, Rooney faced foreclosure, ruined credit and embarrassment.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Paradoxically, Rooney, now 91 years-old, is both mentally competent and physically able. Like many actors, he has long relied on others to manage the business and financial aspects of his career. Rooney told OVC that when he attempted to retake control over his own affairs, he was met with resistance and intimidation.
One of the most saddening aspects of the story concerns Rooney’s attempt to get groceries delivered. Rooney stated that Aber had conditioned him to accept groceries delivered only by himself or his wife, once every 3 or 4 weeks, sometimes with the groceries being dumped on Rooney’s front lawn. In one instance, while Aber was away on vacation, Rooney was running low on food and contacted a nearby grocery store to establish an account for delivery. According to Rooney, when Aber discovered this, he instructed the store to cancel the account and discontinue communications with Rooney.
As the saying goes, “with friends like that…” All this gets to the point that it can happen to anyone. When someone with the means and experience available to Mickey Rooney falls prey, it is easy to imagine what could happen to the less affluent, aware or able.
For information on how to protect yourself or your loved ones from elder abuse, go to www.ovc.gov or contact them via telephone at (202) 307-5983.