The stress is greater when the elderly person is mentally or physically impaired. Some families act more violent than others. Violence is a learned behavior that spreads from one generation to another. In these families, abusive behavior is the normal response to tension or conflict. Elders in poor health are more likely to be abused than those in good health.
Abuse tends to occur when an elderly person's mental or physical health worsens and stress rises.
Adult children who abuse their parents may suffer from mental disorders, alcohol dependence , drug abuse or addiction , and financial problems. They may have just finished raising their children and now find themselves tied down again taking care of a parent. The typical victim of elder abuse is a widowed, white woman. In her mid-70s or older, she lives on a fixed income. Elder abuse happens in all ethnic groups, races, and economic groups.