Identification of Risk and Preventive Factors for Elder Financial Exploitation

The purpose of this project is to develop a conceptual model that includes risk and protective factors for financial exploitation (FE). In order to accomplish this goal the researchers will collect data on individual difference variables with an emphasis on cognitive factors and data on contextual factors using an individually administered survey approach. This study will allow for 200 in person interviews with community dwelling older adults, building on a pilot study of an additional 200 interviews. Participants will be tested individually with cognitive tests and questionnaires. Variables hypothesized to be related to risk include executive functioning, memory, math calculation, and numeracy. Variables hypothesized to decrease risk include subjective and objective social support. The primary dependent measure will be the score on the Conrad et al.s OAFEM. Older adults in the community will be recruited and administered a 1.5-hour battery of measures as described as well as the OAFEM. These hypotheses will be tested with hierarchical multiple regression, binary logistic regression, and structural equation modeling. Drawing upon work in both elder mistreatment and positive psychology we hope to identify factors related to resilience and resistance from FE that may be applied in other settings. ca/ncf