Elder abuse is a recognized and growing problem throughout the world. However, fragmented responses to this abuse have been seen as ineffective requiring a broad and integrated response entailing a coordinated response among actors from all of the agencies involved in processing elder abuse cases. This article begins by presenting a history of intradisciplinary research and elder abuse covering gerontology, sociology, criminology and criminal justices, social work, victimology, medicine, and psychology. This history is followed by an overview of the those areas involved in performing an integrated approach and response, thereby better fulfilling the needs of older victims: (1) an integrated definition of elder abuse; (2) an integrated approach to understanding the extent of elder abuse; (3) explaining elder abuse from an integrated perspective; (4) understanding the consequences of elder abuse from an integrated perspective; (5) an integrated response to elder abuse and neglect; and (6) empowering seniors in the integrative approach. An integrated response entails a coordinated response among actors from all of the agencies involved in processing elder abuse cases. There is the need for those studying elder abuse to recognize the interdisciplinary nature of the problem in their research efforts. It is seen that approaching elder abuse from an integrative perspective will meet the needs of all older adults. References