John B. Breaux: “I rise to introduce S. 333, the Elder Justice Act. Despite the rapid aging of America, few pressing social issues have…”

“I rise to introduce S. 333, the Elder Justice Act. Despite the rapid aging of America, few pressing social issues have been as systematically ignored as elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This abuse of our seniors takes many forms. It can be physical, sexual, psychological, or financial. The perpetrator may be a stranger, an acquaintance, a paid caregiver, a corporation and, far too often, a spouse or another family member. Elder abuse happens everywhere--in poor, middle-class and upper income households; in cities, suburbs, and rural areas. It knows no demographic or geographic boundaries. The cost of such abuse and neglect is high by any measure. The price of this abuse is paid in needless human suffering, inflated health care costs, depleted public resources, and the loss of one of our greatest national assets--the wisdom and experience of our elders. With scientific advances and the graying of millions of baby boomers, this year the number of elderly on the planet passed the number of children for the first time. Although we have made great strides in promoting independence, productivity, and quality of life, old age still brings inadequate health care, isolation, impoverishment, abuse, and neglect for far too many Americans. Studies conclude that elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation are widely under reported and these abuses significantly shorten the lives of older victims.”