The Commission for Social Development of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, acting as the preparatory committee for the Second World Assembly on Aging, requested the Secretary-General to prepare this report. The majority of the studies reviewed for this report were conducted in urban areas. The report further advises that the value of existing information on abuse of the elderly as a global evidence base is limited by the lack of clear and transposable definitions, the deficiency of reliable and valid data, and shortcomings of methodology. In one section of the report, the abuse of older persons is viewed from within a human rights framework. In another section, definitions and typologies are presented within the context of social, economic, and cultural diversity. A third section introduces intervention and prevention responses in various national settings. A fourth section estimates the impact, consequences, and costs of the abuse of older persons. The concluding section suggests future policy responses, highlighting the need for reliable information to strengthen current knowledge of issues on the abuse of older persons. The report advises that in all settings, an agenda to examine how adequately to protect the rights of older persons and an investigation of abusive practices can constitute first steps toward a policy of zero tolerance for the abuse of older persons. The vulnerability of older persons to abuse may also be reduced by enabling them to remain active and productive, thus continuing to contribute to society, community, and family. Overall, there is a trend away from reliance on institutional care for older persons toward family-based care, assisted by community services. This will lead to a reduction in institutional abuse of the elderly, but the incidence of abuse in the context of family care of the elderly is expected to increase. A better knowledge base is needed to inform national and local policy as well as the development of global guidelines for strategies and programs for intervention and prevention. 9 notes