Kim Collins^1
1Newberry Pathology Group

Elder maltreatment is not a new entity but is one that is recently recognized as a widespread and growing social problem. Unfortunately, few physicians and investigators are trained to recognize the different forms of elder maltreatment including physical abuse.  The elder, age 60 years or older, is a unique individual with respect to pathophysiology. The natural changes of aging must be considered when assessing any physical findings.  Some entities can easily mimic physical abuse and must be ruled out when assessing these findings.