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Elder abuse, particularly through financial exploitation, is a growing problem in the United States. The National Center on Elder Abuse reveals that 2 to 5 million older Americans are abused each year — roughly one out of 20.
Financial exploitation takes the form of theft, scams and abuse of trust directed toward vulnerable older Americans who, in some cases, may be experiencing cognitive challenges such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. Nearly half of these crimes are committed by someone that the victim knows and trusts, such as a relative or caregiver.
Peter Lichtenberg, a geriatric psychologist and director of Wayne State University’s Institute of Gerontology (IOG) and the Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute, is leading the charge to tackle the problem of financial exploitation of older adults. A nationally renowned expert, Lichtenberg has published several papers on the topic and works with his colleagues to create tools to assess the financial decision-making abilities of older adults.
Lichtenberg and his team have taken their research and tools into the community to train social workers, financial planners, attorneys and other professionals about financial exploitation. “We maintain a strong community presence, particularly in our own urban neighborhood of Detroit. Through the institute, we provide programming and educational services that reach thousands of people annually.”
As the demand grows for more research and community immersion surrounding issues facing older adults, so does the need for gerontologists. “The field of gerontology has a shortage of specialists. This shortage becomes more acute as we face an aging generation through the Baby Boomers,” said Lichtenberg. “I always try to encourage students to pursue gerontology. It’s a rewarding field, particularly when it assists older adults who are vulnerable.”
The Institute of Gerontology offers educational programs designed for students interested in the field. Wayne State graduate students can pursue their Ph.D. in their home departments/programs and obtain additional research mentorship and professional development at the IOG.
A graduate certificate in gerontology through the School of Social Work is a 12-credit hour program at Wayne State. The certificate program, administered by the School of Social Work, is designed to prepare graduate students, individual practitioners and professionals with additional academic expertise in the field of aging. Interested students should contact the School of Social Work for details.
For further information about the IOG and related opportunities, visit iog.wayne.edu/education/.