One in six older people experience abuse in NZ, with psychological harm most common |
Around one in six older New Zealanders (17%) living in the community experience some form of abuse, equating to more than 250,000 people, according to our newly released study.
We surveyed more than 5,000 people aged 55 or older about 53 potentially harmful behaviours experienced in the previous 12 months. The study provides the most comprehensive picture to date of abuse of older people in New Zealand.
Abuse can take many forms, including threats, harmful actions and neglect in a relationship involving trust, or a power imbalance.
We found psychological harm was most common form of abuse (12.4%), followed by financial (4.0%), cultural and spiritual (3.2%), physical (2.8%), neglect (1.2%) and sexual harm (0.9%).
Apart from the obvious human costs – such as the loss of dignity, independence and social connection – abuse of older people also has substantial economic consequences.
We estimate it costs New Zealand at least NZ$1.8 billion a year, including financial losses, lost earnings, additional residential and hospital care, and spending on justice and support services.
Around two-thirds of these costs fall on older people and their families themselves, with the government bearing about $615 million.
Who experiences harm more?
Abuse affects older people across society, but rates of harm vary.
Māori, Pasifika, people living with disabilities, rainbow communities and people in poorer areas experienced higher........