Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Who are seniors over 65 more likely to be victimized by?

1. Strangers

2. Caregivers

3. Adult children

4. Neighbors

The correct answer is: Adult children

Seniors over 65 are more likely to be victimized by their adult children due to a variety of factors that can influence the nature of their relationships. Adult children may experience financial strain, familial tensions, or even mental health issues, which can lead them to exploit their aging parents financially or emotionally. This exploitation can manifest in forms such as financial abuse, neglect, or even emotional manipulation, often because they can be in a position of trust or authority within the family dynamics. In contrast, victimization by strangers, caregivers, or neighbors typically involves different dynamics and contexts that may not apply as broadly across the demographic of seniors. While they can certainly experience victimization from these groups, research and reports have shown that familial ties, particularly with adult children, often present a unique vulnerability due to established trust and dependency relationships. Therefore, the relationship between seniors and their adult children provides a contextual foundation for understanding the likelihood of victimization in this population.