The issue of whether older people should be allowed to own guns is important for the following reasons. First gun ownership among older adults is growing faster than any other age group. Second as the population ages there are an increased number of people with cognitive impairment sometimes resulting in dementia. The idea of a demented person having a gun is a concern. Third unlike driving or piloting a plane there is not a procedure for insuring that people with dementia use proper caution when handling a gun.
Dementia is a term used to describe brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, strokes, and some less common diseases. Symptoms of dementia include personality changes, memory loss, confusion, language and speech problems, depression, increased anxiety and aggressiveness.
Gun ownership among older adults is on the rise. In Florida for example a 2004 survey showed the 130,000 of the states 338,000 concealed weapon permits were issued to people over 50. In the U.S. people older than 65 are now more likely than any other age group to own a gun.
There is the case of an 82 year old man by the name of Mario Mendez who shot himself in the eye while responding to imaginary burglars in his house. He had a history of memory difficulties, cognitive functioning impairment, and he had lost his ability to perform the tasks of daily living, along with paranoid delusions. He actually believed that there were burglars in his house, so he stayed awake all night, with his gun.
Although there not a lot of information about the risks of owing a firearm and dementia patients. How many people would want a person with dementia to have access to a firearm?
Greene, E., Bornstein, B., & Dietrich, H. (2007). Granny, (don't) get your gun: Competency issues in gun ownership by older adults. Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 25(3), 405-423. doi:10.1002/bsl.766. Retrieved November 29, 2009, from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=psyh&AN=2007-10401-007&site=ehost-live
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This is an interesting idea that I have never really thought about. It is very scary, and I think that something should be done to help prevent it.
ReplyDeleteIt also makes me wonder, should people who are diagnosed with mental illness be allowed to own guns? For example, a person with Schizophrenia may be likely to shoot someone that they think is "the devil."
I do think, that regardless if there is a law against it or not, that the friends and family members of these individuals (senile or mentally ill) should try to prevent them from buying or owning guns.