Marginality and Elder Abuse in Puerto Rico: An Emerging Social Problem

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the situation of abuse to the elderly in Puerto Rico.Areflection ofmarginality and its associationwith elder abuse will be presented. According to the International US Census data, Puerto Rico occupies number thirty-two among the aged countries of the world with 23% of its population over sixty years old. As the number and proportion of the elderly population are increasing, so is the problem of isolation and mistreatment among this population. An analysis of marginality and elderly person will be presented linking it with elder abuse. Data will be presented on most common types of abuse in Puerto Rico, characteristics of the perpetrator, and actual legislation to protect vulnerable aged victims of elder abuse. Some recommendations on preventive issues are offered.