The new england journal of Among older adults, a younger age has been consistently associated with a greater risk of abuse, including emotional, physical, and financial abuse and neglect. 12 One possible reason for this finding is that the “young old” more often live with a spouse or with adult children, the two groups that are the most likely abusers. A shared living environment is a major risk factor for elder abuse. In particular, living with a larger number of household members other than a spouse is associated with an increased risk of abuse, especially financial 17 and physical 20 abuse. Having a lower income has been associated with a greater likelihood of financial abuse, emotional and physical abuse,15,21 and neglect. 18 Finally, studies consistently suggest that isolation and a lack of social support are important risk factors for elder abuse. 22