Robert Barton: Eliminating elder abuse in Indian Country

Tuesday, April 17, 2012  

"America’s population is aging quickly. In 2008, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 13 percent of Americans were 65 or older. By 2030, estimates are that demographic will exceed 20%.

Among Native Americans, the number of American Indian and Alaska Native elders will more than double by 2030, with trends indicating those 65 or older will total 15 percent in 2030, up from 7 percent in 2010.

Amidst this backdrop, a troubling narrative is emerging. Our elders are under attack, often by the very people who should be caring for them. Unfortunately, Native American elders are no safer than their elderly non-Indian neighbors. It is time for tribal, state, and national leaders to break from the complacency of the past and deal with this issue head-on."

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Robert Barton: Combating Elder Abuse in Indian Country (Indian Country Today 4/16)