As World Elder Abuse Awareness Day approaches on June 15, the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) is urging the public to recognize, report, and prevent mistreatment of older adults.
“Abuse of older adults happens to about 1 in 6 people aged 60 and older,” said NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen. “It’s vital that family, friends, neighbors and caregivers know the signs of abuse, talk to loved ones about it, and utilize the many resources in New York State to prevent abuse, report it, and help victims.”
Elder abuse can appear in many forms: physical, emotional, sexual, financial exploitation, and neglect—including self-neglect. Common warning signs include withdrawal, poor hygiene, unexplained injuries, and sudden changes in financial activity.
To report elder abuse, individuals can call the Adult Protective Services helpline at 1-844-697-3505. For non-emergencies or confidential support, a separate helpline is available at 1-844-746-6905.
NYSOFA also promotes several programs to combat abuse. These include the Elder Abuse Education and Outreach Program and Enhanced Multidisciplinary Teams (E-MDTs), which coordinate local agencies to intervene in abuse cases. Between 2014 and 2024, E-MDTs helped secure $6.5 million in restitution for financial exploitation victims, with $1.6 million returned directly.
The agency also offers free educational resources on avoiding scams, including the “Don’t Get Scammed” guide and video series. NYSOFA has partnered with GetSetUp to provide cybersecurity and financial literacy classes for older adults.
“Elder abuse is a hidden problem that thrives in silence,” said Ann Marie Cook, President and CEO of Lifespan of Greater Rochester. “It is underrecognized, underreported and under prosecuted.”
To learn more or find local support, visit aging.ny.gov/elder-abuse.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].