What constitutes elder abuse under Arizona law?

Elder abuse under Arizona law is defined as acts that cause physical, emotional, financial, or sexual harm to individuals aged 65 and older. This definition encompasses a wide range of harmful behaviors that can be inflicted upon elderly individuals, recognizing that abuse is not limited to physical harm alone. Emotional abuse can include verbal mistreatment or psychological manipulation, while financial abuse refers to the misappropriation of an elder's funds or property. In essence, this broad definition aims to protect vulnerable populations from multiple forms of harm, acknowledging that elder individuals may be subject to various kinds of exploitation or mistreatment.

Other options do not encompass the full spectrum of what elder abuse entails under Arizona law. For instance, simply having a verbal disagreement does not qualify as abuse since conflict is a normal part of human interactions and does not inherently harm the elder. Meanwhile, an inability to manage finances alone, while concerning, does not equate to abuse unless it is exploited or leads to harm. Lastly, neglecting the elderly in public places may indicate a lack of care but does not fully capture the broader spectrum of abuse defined by law. Therefore, the most comprehensive and accurate definition of elder abuse is the one that includes all forms of harm as specified in the correct answer.