Fulfilling the core functions of public health: A case for public health involvement in elder abuse prevention

Public health work is organized around the performance of three core public heath functions: assessment, policy development, and assurance. This presentation illustrates how these core functions have been and can be used as guides for public health based work to address the problem of elder abuse. Specific attention is given to concretely illustrating the: 1) public health importance of elder abuse, 2) areas of need where public health's expertise can be beneficially employed, and 3) the potential roles of public health agencies and professionals in the provision of essential services that support the core public health functions. The presentation also describes possible benefits of addressing elder abuse within or alongside efforts to promote healthy aging that lack a focus on this source of morbidity, mortality, and diminished quality of life among older adults.