Chairman Scott addresses elder abuse crisis impacting millions of older adults
July 30, 2025 | Aging (Special), Special, Select and Other Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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The U.S. Aging (Special) Committee convened on July 30, 2025, to address the critical issue of elder abuse and neglect, a pressing crisis affecting older adults across the nation. The meeting featured testimonies highlighting the alarming prevalence of elder abuse, with approximately 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 60 experiencing some form of abuse, including physical, emotional, financial, or neglect. It was noted that for every reported case, an estimated 24 go undetected, suggesting that nearly 5 million older adults may suffer in silence each year.
The testimony underscored the devastating consequences of elder abuse, revealing that victims are three times more likely to die prematurely. Financial exploitation alone costs seniors over $3 billion annually, often leaving them unable to afford basic necessities such as food and medication.
The role of Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) was emphasized as crucial in combating this issue. Established under the Older Americans Act (OAA), AAAs serve as the frontline in elder abuse prevention, providing essential services such as information and referral, care coordination, and case management. With 10,000 Americans turning 65 each day, the demand for these services is expected to grow significantly.
A poignant example shared during the meeting illustrated the impact of these services. A respite specialist discovered a 93-year-old woman, Eleanor, who had been abused by her husband. Thanks to the connection with the AAA, immediate action was taken, leading to her safe removal from the abusive environment and ensuring she received the care she needed in her final months.
The testimony also highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary teams in addressing elder abuse, advocating for collaboration among social workers, healthcare providers, and legal professionals. The need for ongoing federal and state funding to support long-term care services was stressed, as well as the urgency of reauthorizing the OAA to provide a stable framework for the aging network.
In conclusion, the committee's discussions underscored that elder abuse is not merely a family issue but a public health crisis requiring a coordinated response. The meeting called for increased federal funding for elder abuse prevention and a commitment to cross-sector collaboration to protect vulnerable seniors and ensure their dignity and safety as they age.
The testimony underscored the devastating consequences of elder abuse, revealing that victims are three times more likely to die prematurely. Financial exploitation alone costs seniors over $3 billion annually, often leaving them unable to afford basic necessities such as food and medication.
The role of Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) was emphasized as crucial in combating this issue. Established under the Older Americans Act (OAA), AAAs serve as the frontline in elder abuse prevention, providing essential services such as information and referral, care coordination, and case management. With 10,000 Americans turning 65 each day, the demand for these services is expected to grow significantly.
A poignant example shared during the meeting illustrated the impact of these services. A respite specialist discovered a 93-year-old woman, Eleanor, who had been abused by her husband. Thanks to the connection with the AAA, immediate action was taken, leading to her safe removal from the abusive environment and ensuring she received the care she needed in her final months.
The testimony also highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary teams in addressing elder abuse, advocating for collaboration among social workers, healthcare providers, and legal professionals. The need for ongoing federal and state funding to support long-term care services was stressed, as well as the urgency of reauthorizing the OAA to provide a stable framework for the aging network.
In conclusion, the committee's discussions underscored that elder abuse is not merely a family issue but a public health crisis requiring a coordinated response. The meeting called for increased federal funding for elder abuse prevention and a commitment to cross-sector collaboration to protect vulnerable seniors and ensure their dignity and safety as they age.
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