Elder abuse is a serious public health crisis that affects a significant proportion of the over-60 population. It is estimated that around 10% of older Americans, or approximately 5 million people, experience abuse each year. Unfortunately, the majority of cases go unreported, with only 1 in 24 incidents being brought to the attention of authorities. This means that the problem continues to persist, often hidden from view.

Underreported public health crisis.

Elder abuse is a prevalent but underreported public health crisis affecting at least 10% of the over-60 population. This equates to an estimated 5 million older Americans experiencing abuse every year. However, only 1 in 24 cases ever get reported, allowing this epidemic to continue unseen.

The most widespread forms of elder abuse include:

 

1. Financial exploitation – Approximately 30% of elder abuse cases involve illegally misusing an elder’s money, property, or assets. This type of abuse costs older Americans an estimated $36.5 billion annually as predators drain their life savings.
2. Emotional/psychological abuse – Characterized by verbal assaults, threats, intimidation, and isolation. This occurs in an estimated 1 out of every 10 substantiated elder abuse cases but likely happens more frequently.
3. Caregiver neglect – A failure to meet an elderly person’s basic physical, emotional, or medical needs. Neglect accounts for nearly 25% of elder abuse cases.
4. Physical abuse – Inflicting physical pain or injury such as hitting, pushing, burning. This happens in about 1 out of every 10 cases of elder abuse.
5. Sexual abuse – Non-consensual sexual contact with an elderly person occurs in around 1% of elder abuse cases.
   
    

While elder abuse impacts all demographics, women over the age of 80 who are socially isolated or have cognitive impairment seem to be disproportionally targeted. Statistics show nearly 2/3 of substantiated elder abuse victims are female.

The trauma of elder abuse frequently causes long-term harm, leading to premature death, worsened health, clinical depression and suicide, financial devastation, and loss of independence. It robs older adults of their dignity.

Sites like MappingCrimes.com visually plot reported cases of elder abuse and complaints on maps. This empowers communities to identify high-risk areas and monitor trends over time. Bringing the hidden epidemic of elder abuse into the light is the first step toward prevention. Please share your thoughts on local elder abuse risks and how mapping could increase safety in your neighborhood.

Greater public awareness, reporting suspected abuse, and coordinating medical, legal, and social services can help address this crisis. Our rapidly growing elderly population deserves to live free from harm.

If you or a loved one are experiencing elder abuse, the National Eldercare Locator hotline (1-800-677-1116) provides confidential help.

References:

U.S. Department of Justice. (2023). Elder abuse statistics 2023. 

Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/file/1098056/downloa