Population Health Research Brief Series

Elder mistreatment is a pervasive problem that has major health and psychosocial consequences for older adults. This data slice shows that about 10% of older adults (age 60+) in New York State experienced elder mistreatment between 2009 and 2019.

Age and poor self-rated health increase the risk of experiencing mistreatment. Black older adults are also at greater risk of financial abuse than Whites. Health care practitioners can play a key role in screening, providing education and awareness, and making appropriate referrals for older adults at risk of mistreatment.