Abstract
Around the world, the elderly population continues to increase in numbers and financial access. With this growth, the potential for this aging population to be victimized has increased as well. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided scammers and thieves with an unprecedented opportunity to take advantage of the weak and defenseless. Older individuals have more pre-existing health conditions which increases their vulnerability to COVID-19. Age-related conditions such as cognitive decline affect scam awareness, decision-making, fear, and insecurities. These vulnerabilities have placed the elderly population at a higher risk of being victimized through scams and deception. These criminal acts of deceit can deprive the elderly of their livelihood, security, and future. Importantly, being aware of scams, having a simplistic knowledge of elderly cognition, implementing some precautionary measures, and knowing who to contact for assistance can help prevent elderly exploitation and many tragic situations.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Mark S. and Bonner, Mkay
(2022)
"COVID-19 Medication Scams, Cognitive Decline, & the Elderly,"
Contemporary Southern Psychology: Vol. 2:
Iss.
1, Article 5.
Available at:
https://repository.ulm.edu/csp/vol2/iss1/5
Included in
Cognition and Perception Commons, Cognitive Science Commons, Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons, Geropsychology Commons