Investigation of Elder Deaths

Abstract

The maltreatment of elders aged 60 years and older is a worldwide problem with an increasing frequency. Individuals are living longer, resulting in a larger elder segment of populations. Furthermore, as medicolegal investigative and epidemiologic research progresses, more cases are recognized and reported. Elders are a vulnerable population not only because of advanced age and acquired diseases and frailty, but also because of a lack of education in the realm of overall elder healthcare and pathophysiology. Therefore, when investigating an elder death, the challenge is even greater as the medicolegal death investigator and forensic pathologist/medical examiner attempt to separate normal or expected findings from maltreatment. A methodical approach starting with the initial death and scene investigation, followed by a complete elder autopsy and concluding with an organized elder death review, will allow proper classification of cause and manner of death as well of prevention of future cases of elder maltreatment.