Older people hold a special place in our families and communities – they share stories, wisdom, experience and connections that enrich all of us. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June is a moment to pause, listen and recommit to ensuring older people can live with dignity, safety and respect.
Elder abuse can be hard to talk about, but talking about it is one of the most powerful ways we can help prevent it.
Elder abuse is any behaviour that harms an older person’s rights, safety, or wellbeing. It can be deliberate or unintentional and it often happens in private spaces - in homes, in families or within trusted relationships.
Abuse can take many forms, including:
Sometimes the signs are obvious, like bruises or sudden money problems. Other times they are subtle: a usually chatty person becomes withdrawn, a neighbour stops attending their usual social activities or an older person seems anxious when a particular person is around.
Elder abuse can affect anyone over 65, across all communities, cultures and income levels in Aotearoa. Research suggests that up to one in ten older people may experience some form of abuse, with serious impacts on physical health, mental wellbeing and feelings of safety and connection.
We also know some groups may face higher risks. Older Māori report higher levels of coercion, such as being pressured into doing things they do not want to do or having belongings taken without permission. Older people who are widowed, separated or living alone may be more vulnerable to loneliness, dependence, and unhealthy relationships, which can increase the risk of abuse going unnoticed.
For many, asking for help is incredibly courageous. Age Concern’s work shows that every day, older people around the country are taking steps to reach out, seek advice and find safety.
You don’t need to be an expert to notice when something feels ‘not quite right’. Simple changes in behaviour or circumstances can be early warning signs that an older person needs support. Some signs can include:
If you notice these signs, especially more than one at the same time, it can be a signal to check in gently and see if the person is OK.
Elder abuse is not just a ‘family issue’ – it is a community issue. All of us, as friends, neighbours, carers and whānau, have a role to play in creating safe, respectful environments for older people.
Some simple ways to help include:
For those of us working in care and support, providing quality, person‑centred care includes being alert to signs of harm and knowing when to speak up. Building trusting relationships, maintaining professional boundaries, and working as part of a wider support team can all help protect older people’s rights and wellbeing.
If you are worried about yourself or an older person you know, there are services ready to listen and help. Support can be anonymous and you do not need to be certain that abuse is happening before you reach out.
Key places to start in Aotearoa New Zealand include:
If anyone is in immediate danger, call 111 and ask for the police.
Mycare knows that good in‑home support is about more than tasks, it is about relationships built on trust, respect and safety. We encourage workers, clients and families using our platform to speak up if something does not feel right and to reach out for support early.
This World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we invite you to learn the signs, share information, and check in on the older people in your life. A quiet conversation, a phone call or a small act of kindness could be the first step to keeping someone safe.