摘要：In the United States, more than 17 million people aged 65 years or older own a firearm. They have the highest rate of suicide by a firearm, and recent data suggest that a disproportionate number apply to carry a concealed weapon. At least one new handgun has been designed and marketed for older people. Memory, thinking, and judgment as well as physical and behavioral competence issues related to an elderly person's safe operation of a motor vehicle apply to firearms, too. Gun availability can pose a particular risk to those with dementia and to their caretakers. The elderly constitute a substantial and rapidly growing population and market segment for whom the public health implications of firearm production, promotion, access, ownership, and use merit consideration. IN 2008, CONSTITUTION Arms, a New Jersey–based firearms manufacturing company, announced plans to produce the Palm Pistol, a single-chamber firing mechanism that could be fired via a squeeze ball instead of the standard trigger ( Figure 1 ). Designed for those with limited manual dexterity and “ideal for seniors,” 1 the manufacturer registered the pistol as a medical device, which would make its purchase reimbursable under Medicare and other health care plans. The Food and Drug Administration accepted, then within a few days, revoked the registration. 2 Preproduction reservations are being accepted 1 and the device is expected to be brought to market. 3 The Palm Pistol is one indicator of the firearm industry's interest in the elderly as potential consumers. Open in a separate window FIGURE 1— Computer rendering of a handgun designed for elderly and disabled persons. Source . Constitution Arms.1 With current patterns of gun ownership and population growth, the number of elderly people who own a firearm can be expected to grow. (We use the US Census definition of elderly—individuals who are aged 65 years or older.) We focus on the specific and unique relationship between the elderly and firearms and its potential implications for personal and public health.
