There is no cutoff age for victims of domestic abuse. According to information from B'nai B'rith International (BBI) and the National Center on Elder Abuse, hundreds of thousands of seniors across the country are victims of this type of cruelty.

Mirroring domestic violence in general, elder abuse is under-reported. Experts estimate that only 1 out of 14 incidents comes to the attention of authorities. They also say adult children are the most frequent abusers, followed by other family members and spouses.

"You're dealing with the most vulnerable people," says Rachel Goldberg, deputy director of the B'nai B'rith International Center for Senior Services (CSS)." They may not be capable of reporting the abuse. You're also dealing with frustration [on the part of the caregiver]."

The type of abuse runs the gamut from physical pushing and hitting, to emotional shouting and controlling, to out-and-out neglect.

"Sometimes you see that people are doing the best they can, but it's not an okay solution," says Goldberg.

Money can be a factor in elder abuse, although not necessarily because there isn't enough to pay for care.

In November 2007, Anthony Marshall, the son of philanthropist Brooke Astor, was indicted along with his former lawyer on charges related to their handling of the late socialite's $198-million estate. Astor, 105, died in August 2007 amid allegations made by her grandson, Phillip Marshall, that his father was siphoning Astor's fortune, leaving her to live in squalor.

Anthony Marshall has denied the charges.

Regardless of one's wealth, there are steps that can be taken to lessen the likelihood of abuse.

"Make your decisions earlier. Plan for retirement and talk about what you want and don't want. If more would do this, there would be fewer opportunities [for abuse]," says Goldberg, whose department advocates the agenda of Aging in Place. Through this model, people are able to live out their lives safely, independently, and in comfort in their homes. "Aging in Place is a holistic approach. You don't do it on a wing and a prayer, with no money, no plan. Planning in advance is a more holistic approach."

But even when strategies have been mapped out, abuse happens.

"Some of this comes from people being overloaded," says Goldberg. "We need to take the pressure off the families. We need resources."

To that end, BBI advocates legislation and funding for programs that help seniors live out their golden years in dignity.

The CSS provides the tangible—housing and practical information on aging— and the intangible—advocacy and national leadership on issues affecting Jewish seniors. BBI, the largest national Jewish sponsor of senior housing in the United States, operates nearly 50 fixed-income and market-rate housing facilities worldwide. BBI brings programs and services to seniors, and gives them the opportunity to take control of their own futures.

Through a steady flow of information on topics as far-ranging as Medicare Part D and aging safely in place, to national and international advocacy on vital issues such as income protection and stem cell research, BBI presents a concerned voice for all seniors.

To report elder abuse, call 911 and/or the National Center of Elder Abuse – Administration on Aging: 800-677-1116 (www.ncea.aoa.gov).