Elderly Abuse Scandal: 2.6 million Older People Abused in UK Every Year
UK-More than 2.6 million older people in the UK are abused every year, with the majority of cases occurring in their own homes, a shocking report has revealed.
According to Hourglass, a UK charity focused on ending the abuse, harm, exploitation, and neglect of older people, approximately one in five people over the age of 60 experience some form of abuse, including financial, economic, physical, psychological, sexual abuse or neglect.
The charity’s findings suggest that the majority of abuse is committed by family members, highlighting a disturbing trend that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Richard Robinson, Chief Executive of Hourglass, said the charity had seen a significant rise in reports of abuse, with calls to its helpline increasing by 182% from 2017 to 2024.
“The abuse of older people is a hidden epidemic that demands immediate attention.We must take decisive action now to safeguard the well-being and dignity of our most vulnerable seniors, and a comprehensive inquiry into this issue is a crucial first step”,he said.
The report also notes that there is a significant lack of awareness about the nature and prevalence of elderly abuse, with over 26% of people failing to recognize that forcing an older relative to change their will constitutes abuse.
The crisis has been further compounded by the government’s failure to appoint a dedicated advocate for older people, a role that has been vacant for several years.
Baroness Ros Altmann, a long-time advocate for older people’s rights, has criticized the government’s inaction on the issue.
“Many older people feel marginalized and ignored. We need someone to take issues by the scruff of the neck and stand up for this generation,” said Baroness Altmann.
