Conversely, social isolation is one of the clearest risk factors for elder abuse. In the absence of regular contact with family, friends, neighbours or community members, the warning signs of abuse – such as mood changes, anxiety, financial irregularities, or unexplained injuries – can go unnoticed.
Older people living alone, or those with limited mobility or cognitive decline, are particularly at risk. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, isolation among older people sharply increased, and many organisations observed a rise in elder abuse, particularly financial exploitation and emotional neglect.
This highlights a stark reality: where connection fades, abuse finds space to grow. Loneliness and isolation affect around one in four older people and are closely linked to poor mental health in later life. So too is abuse, which affects one in six older people – often at the hands of those meant to care for them. The impact can be devastating, leading to depression, anxiety, and lasting trauma.
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