Probability of Experiencing Elder Abuse

The National Council on Aging estimates that approximately 10% of Americans aged 60 and older (about 5 million people) experience some form of elder abuse each year. However, the actual number is believed to be much higher, as only about 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse is reported to authorities.

Elder abuse takes many forms: financial exploitation (the most common, affecting about 5.2% of older adults annually), neglect (about 5.1%), emotional/psychological abuse (about 4.6%), physical abuse (about 1.6%), and sexual abuse (about 0.6%). Perpetrators are most commonly family members (about 60% of cases), followed by institutional caregivers, friends, and strangers. Adult children and spouses are the most frequent family perpetrators.

Financial exploitation alone costs older Americans an estimated $36.5 billion per year. Risk factors for being victimized include cognitive impairment, social isolation, dependency on caregivers, and depression. Warning signs include unexplained injuries, sudden financial changes, withdrawal from activities, and fearfulness around certain people. All 50 states have elder abuse reporting laws, and Adult Protective Services investigates reports of abuse. Prevention includes maintaining social connections, monitoring financial accounts, designating a trusted power of attorney, and knowing how to report concerns.