The Physical and Economic Consequences1

This study tests the accuracy of the current consensus that the physical and economic consequences of crime are greater for the elderly than for other age groups. Data from 1973 and 1974 national surveys show that the elderly are no more likely than other age groups to suffer more severe physical injuries or larger financial losses from crime. However, when the relative economic losses to mature adults over the age of 40 are examined, adults age 65 and over appear to be heavier economic losers. The paper suggests that the crime problem of the elderly may not be an age-related problem but rather a condition-related problem, with the condition being one of low income