Elder abuse, sometimes called senior abuse, refers to actions or failures to act that cause harm or distress to an older person. Many laws and health organizations identify victims as adults commonly aged 60 or 65 and older, though definitions vary by jurisdiction. Abuse can be a single incident or a repeated pattern, and it includes harm arising from neglect as well as deliberate acts. Recognition is complicated because older adults may be socially isolated, dependent on caregivers, or reluctant to report mistreatment.

Forms of elder abuse

  • Physical abuse — use of force that causes pain, injury or impairment.
  • Sexual abuse — any nonconsensual sexual contact or behavior.
  • Emotional or psychological abuse — threats, humiliation, intimidation and social isolation.
  • Verbal abuse — insults, belittling or repeated yelling that undermines dignity.
  • Financial abuse — theft, fraud, coercion over money, or misuse of property and benefits.
  • Neglect and abandonment — failure to provide necessary care, supervision, medical attention or basic needs.

Many experts highlight that elder abuse often occurs within a relationship involving an expectation of trust, such as with family members, friends or others known to the older person. Perpetrators can include a spouse or partner, adult children, other relatives, neighbors, or paid/home caregivers. In some instances, patterns of elder mistreatment overlap with domestic or family violence, especially when abuse occurs in a shared household.

Signs, consequences and distinctions

Warning signs range from physical injuries, unexplained bruises or weight loss to behaviour changes such as withdrawal, anxiety, depression or sudden changes in financial circumstances. Neglect can be visible as poor hygiene, untreated medical problems, or unsafe living conditions. Financial exploitation may appear as missing funds, sudden changes in wills, or unusual financial transactions.

Elder abuse has health, social and legal consequences: increased risk of injury, poorer chronic disease outcomes, loss of independence, and psychological trauma. It is important to distinguish neglect (lack of necessary care) from self-neglect, where an older person’s own choices or cognitive impairment lead to harmful conditions; responses and legal frameworks differ for each.

Causes, prevalence and barriers to reporting

Multiple factors contribute to elder abuse, including caregiver stress, inadequate training, social isolation, caregiver substance misuse, and cultural or family dynamics that tolerate controlling behavior. Cognitive impairment in the older person can increase vulnerability and complicate detection. Elder abuse is widely believed to be underreported due to shame, fear of losing care, dependence on the abuser, or lack of awareness about help and rights.

Prevention and response

Effective prevention combines public awareness, caregiver support and training, legal protections, and accessible reporting options. Health professionals, social services and community groups play key roles in identifying risks and coordinating safe responses. When abuse is suspected, reporting to appropriate local adult protective services, healthcare providers or law enforcement is essential; multidisciplinary teams can help assess safety, provide medical and emotional care, and pursue legal remedies where needed.

Addressing elder abuse requires balancing respect for autonomy with protection from harm. Early recognition, clear reporting pathways and community supports that reduce isolation and caregiver burden are central to reducing harm and preserving the dignity and rights of older adults.