A study by Public Health Wales, Bangor University and Liverpool John Moores University has shown how abuse, struggling with finances and loneliness and social isolation in later life increase people’s risks of poor health.

The study surveyed over a thousand adults aged 60 years and over living in households across Wales.

It found that, since the age of 60: 12.5 per cent of participants had experienced abuse; 19 per cent of participants had struggled financially; and 20.7 per cent of participants had felt lonely or socially isolated.

People that reported one of these experiences were also more likely to report other adverse experiences, which also included feeling overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities and being unable to access health or social care.

Professor Karen Hughes, lead author of the report, said “Older people play an essential role in social and economic life in Wales, and the importance of this role is increasing as our population ages.

“Our study shows that older people who suffer abuse, poverty and loneliness suffer worse health.

“Preventing these adverse experiences and supporting those affected by them is essential to enable older people to maintain health, live well and continue to actively engage in society.”

The study is one of the first to measure abuse in older adults in the general population in Wales.

The most common types of abuse reported were verbal abuse (8.4 per cent), physical abuse (4.6 per cent) and financial abuse (2.9 per cent).

Dr Kat Ford, co-author of the report, Bangor University, said “Our sample consisted of people living in the community which means that some of the most vulnerable members of society such as those in residential care were not included.

“As a result, the prevalence of abuse we identified is likely to be an underestimate.”

Louise Hughes, Age Cymru’s Head of Safeguarding and Advocacy said: “We know the number of older people being abused has doubled since the start of the pandemic.

“People can experience abuse in many forms, and, in some cases, it may have remained hidden over many years.

“Abuse of any kind is unacceptable and older people have a right to live in safety, without fear, control or intimidation, and to be treated with dignity and respect.

“This important report outlines the impact of loneliness and the additional risk factors this can have for older people across Wales.

“Each year we see an increase in the number of people coming to Age Cymru for support to combat loneliness and abuse.

“Situations we hear about are often complex and extremely challenging with multiple types of abuse happening at once.

“Further research into the impact of financial abuse on older people should be carried out so that professionals and organisations can understand and act on the multiple risk factors associated with loneliness and abuse and better protect older people from that abuse.

“We urge people to be aware of the signs of abuse in older people and seek help and support.”