NCJ Number
107795
Journal
Research on Aging Volume: 9 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1987) Pages: 256-280
Date Published
1987
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This article examines critically and synthesizes theory and research on the causes and correlates of offending by the elderly.
Abstract
Research suggests that age, criminal associates, and criminal beliefs all have a strong influence on crime committed by the elderly. Additionally, there is some evidence that there is a relationship between religiosity and crime among the elderly. Sex, race, and anomie appear to have weak to modest effects. Marital status, and to a less certain extent residential mobility and socioeconomic status, appear to have no influence on law-breaking by the elderly. Overall, findings suggest that very few factors interact with age to influence offending. In general, those factors found to be associated with criminality in younger age groups also are associated with elderly crime. However, because most findings are based on general population samples, and not explicitly on the elderly offender, this conclusion must be viewed with caution. 1 note and 109 references.