A majority of American adults over 50 — including the 37% of older adults who own guns or live with someone who does — supports specific steps that could reduce the risk of firearm injury and death, a new national study shows. The University of Michigan study shows support among older adults for everything from firearm safety counseling by health care providers, and background checks for firearm purchasers, to “red flag” policies that allow for temporary firearm removal from people at high risk of harming themselves or others. The study also highlights opportunities to help older adults recognize and address the risks in their own homes, especially for those who live with children, have heightened suicide risk, or are beginning to experience cognitive decline and/or dementia.
