After the age of 64, a person who might otherwise be considered a dependent adult is afforded other rights and protections as a senior citizen or elder.
California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 15610.23 defines a dependent adult as:[2] (a) 'Dependent adult' means any person between the ages of 18 and 64 years who resides in this state and who has physical or mental limitations that restrict his or her ability to carry out normal activities or to protect his or her rights, including, but not limited to, persons who have physical or developmental disabilities, or whose physical or developmental abilities have diminished because of age.
Any physical, emotional, or sexual abuse – including trauma inflicted by negligent conduct – can constitute a violation of California laws protecting the elderly and those with disabilities.
Dependent adults are protected from unexpected transfers of property or assets to individuals who might exert undue influence over them.
This includes caregivers, those who marry them, and individuals responsible for drafting or transcribing a will, trust, or similar “instrument” of estate transfer.