Granny, (don't) get your gun: Competency issues in gun ownership by older adults

Edith Greene, Brian H. Bornstein, Hannah Dietrich

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

This article explores the possible risks associated with gun ownership by older adults. We summarize existing regulations on who may own firearms, especially with respect to age. We then present data on older gun owners and violence committed by older adults in general, followed by a discussion of gun violence perpetrated by gun owners whose functional and cognitive abilities have declined, perhaps as a result of dementia. For comparison purposes, we review regulations on driving among older adults, drawing parallels to gun ownership. The paper concludes with recommendations for ensuring the safety of older gun owners and others, balanced against citizens' right to bear arms, and with some directions for research.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)405-423
Number of pages19
JournalBehavioral Sciences and the Law
Volume25
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Law

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