Category: Seniors

As a woman, you may be worried about ageing and the challenges and changes that come with it. However, all the signs show that women get better with age.

To grow old confidently, it’s important to embrace the ageing process, check in with yourself, and to prioritise yourself.

We hope this advice will help if you are a woman worried about growing into your later years.

Embracing your age

Society has given us so many reasons to think of getting older as a bad thing; a survey shows that three-quarters of older women feel misrepresented by the media. However, studies reveal that many older Australian women are feeling better with age.

“Women in the over 55 demographic are in the prime of their lives and having the time of their lives – a force to be reckoned with and the glue that holds generations together.”
-Maria Welch, Publisher at Platinum Magazine

There are brilliant benefits that are unique to being an older woman, such as:

1. You command respect.
2. With age comes wisdom.
3. You can put yourself first.
4. You’re more likely to succeed.
5. You get to watch your family grow.
6. You can enjoy the fruits of your labour.
7. You have time to pursue dreams and hobbies.
8. Social relationships later in life cultivate more positivity.
9. Australians at retirement age are reported to have the highest level of happiness.

Prioritising yourself

As you age, you may find yourself facing new difficulties. Women, especially grandmothers, are often seen as the glue of the family. Studies show that older women who are acting as a caregiver are six times more likely to experience depression or anxiety, and are at increased odds of retiring earlier than they would like.

It’s important to learn to prioritise yourself as you age, especially when your needs and abilities are changing.

Here are some steps you can take to put yourself first every day:

1. Tend to your needs before doing things for anyone else.
2. Engage in 30 minutes of exercise, like a walk, arm raises, or side circles.
3. Don’t push yourself to do anything you feel unfit to do.
4. Set boundaries with family, carers, and friends.
5. Listen to music you love.
6. Start a gratitude journal.
7. Spend time on a hobby.
8. Prioritise “me” time.

Checking in with yourself

“How are you?” is a question we ask each other every day. But have you asked yourself lately?

Check in with yourself and make sure you’re doing okay. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut or to get comfortable in your ways.

If you’re feeling down, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I feel confident?
• Are my needs being met?
• Am I comfortable where I am living?
• Is there something I want to change?
• Am I doing things that make me happy?
• Do I have access to everything I need for my health?
• Do I feel safe in my relationships with my family, carers, and friends?
• Are my family members expecting too much of me?
• Do I trust those I am close with?
• Do I have a support network?
• Do I have friends of my own age who I can talk to?
• Am I financially secure?
• Am I in control of my own finances, assets, and property?

If your answers to these questions are not what you’d like them to be, it’s okay to reach out for help.

Here are some ideas for socialising and finding a support network in your older age.

If you are feeling worried about your finances, we can offer a free financial wellness check for you, and provide you with access to resources to help get back on track. We offer helpful ideas to save money as a senior.

If you’re feeling like you need some extra support, our free Senior Relationships Services (SRS) can help you explore your concerns and provide possible solutions in a safe and supportive environment.

You can learn more about the SRS here, or by calling 1300 063 232.

Want to receive updates on our Senior Relationship Services blog posts?

Did you know that staying socially active as you get older will make you a happier, healthier senior?

Old age leads to certain difficulties that contribute to social isolation and feelings of loneliness. It’s perfectly normal to feel lonely.

If you feel that you have nobody, the thought of socialising or making new friends later in life can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, we are here to assure you that it’s completely possible to get yourself back out there!

In this blog post, we’ll explore why it’s good for you to be socially active in your 60s and older, as well as some ideas and solutions to help you stay social in your older age.

Why do I feel lonelier now that I’m older?

You’re not alone in feeling alone. Relationship Australia’s recent study shows that 27.1% of retired Australians feel socially lonely.

Seniors are at increased risk of social isolation due to factors such as limited mobility, impaired senses, and the loss of family and friends. Social isolation is the major cause of feelings of loneliness.

You may be at increased risk of social isolation if you:

• Live alone
• Live in a rural or remote area
• Have limited access to transportation
• Are retired
• Are widowed or unmarried
• Have peers who have passed away
• Have no children or grandchildren
• Have busy adult children and grandchildren
• Struggle financially
• Have impaired hearing
• Have impaired vision
• Have limited mobility or a disability
• Experience discrimination where you live
• Face a language barrier where you live

How staying socially active benefits your health

Social relationships are central to our wellbeing and critical to our health. When our relationships are strong and plentiful, we can live longer, happier lives.

Research shows that seniors who are more socially involved are at decreased risk for heart disease, illness, high blood pressure, and mental deterioration.

Staying social also benefits your memory, your self-esteem, and your sleep. Socialising contributes to significantly lower rates of dementia, depression, and anxiety.

But how?

Being social engages both our minds and our bodies.

Socialising may include involvement in physical movement and activity, such as taking a seniors’ exercise course or simply getting out of the house. Keeping the body active lowers your risk of heart disease, recurrent falls, and bone fractures or breakages.

Being social is also extremely stimulating for the mind and your mental wellbeing. Being active instead of sitting or lying down naturally boosts your mood. Engaging in conversation, laughing, and smiling simply makes your day so much better, and elevates your self-confidence and overall happiness.

Getting back out there in your 60s and over

Getting out there and being social can be really daunting for anyone, regardless of age. Some of the challenges that come with old age can make it harder to be social.

There are quite a few creative solutions to help you become more socially active. Remember, the first step is always the hardest.

Join local groups for older people

It’s very likely that there are at least a few community groups for older people in your area.

For example, fitness groups, such as a walking group or a yoga group, are an excellent way to make friends while keeping your body and your heart healthy.

Relationship Australia Queensland’s Senior Social Connection Program (SSCP) is a free service that offers social opportunities for older people in Sunshine Coast and Gympie. The SSCP includes social groups, peer support, healthy lifestyle events, and more with a focus on addressing the factors that contribute to the social isolation of older people.

If you live in another area of Queensland, the Queensland Government offers an expansive list of community groups for older people across the state.

Rekindle old friendships

It’s likely you have lots of former friends, classmates, and colleagues who you’ve naturally drifted apart from. Now would be a great time to reconnect.

Reach out with a phone call or on social media. Make a point of getting together.

The great thing about catching up with old friends is you’ll likely already have a lot in common, and therefore a lot to talk about.

Turn hobbies into friendship opportunities

You may find yourself bored or feeling a lack of purpose in your old age or as a pensioner. But there’s never been a better time to practise your hobbies, or even pick up a new hobby.

Whether it’s music, gardening, or reading that you’re passionate about, there’s surely a local social group that hosts meetups and activities. These groups may or may not be senior-specific. You can find these local groups on Facebook or on Meetup.com.

Get involved with your local religious community

Joining a local faith-based community can provide you with an instant support group while simultaneously providing you spiritual comfort and guidance.

If you already attend a religious service, you can get more involved by going to studies or attending events. Religious communities tend to be very welcoming and supportive of their members.

Call a friend or a relative

Sometimes a simple phone call is all that’s needed to reignite a friendship or a relationship with a family member.

We all know what it’s like to be young and to get so caught up in your own life that you lose touch with a parent, grandparent, or older family member. Sometimes it’s just a matter of not realising how much they mean to you.

Call them, tell them you’re thinking of them, and let them know it would mean a lot to you to spend more time together or have more frequent phone calls.

Say hello to a neighbour

Strike up a conversation or introduce yourself to a neighbour. There are so many benefits to befriending your neighbour, from regular chats to having someone to rely on in case of an emergency.

Studies show that forming friendships with your neighbours can decrease your risk of heart attack.

Relationships Australia Queensland’s Senior Social Connection Program helps older Queenslanders in Sunshine Coast and Gympie to stay connected. Seniors in other areas of Queensland can find helpful socialising resources on the Queensland Government website.

If you or an older person you know is lonely or socially isolated, our Senior Relationships Services are here to help. Our experienced counsellors can help you explore your concerns and possible solutions in a safe and supportive environment.

You can learn more about our Senior Social Connection Program here, or call 1300 063 232 to make an appointment.

Want to receive updates on our Senior Relationship Services blog posts?

Financial abuse is a form of abuse in which the victim is financially exploited or manipulated. It can include controlling finances, withholding money, or various forms of stealing.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines elder financial abuse as “any illegal or improper exploitation or use of funds or resources of the older person.”

Below are some signs and examples of what financial abuse against older people may look like. We’ll also provide some details about stopping and preventing this abuse if you or an elderly loved one may be a victim.

What are common examples of elder financial abuse?

Financial abuse against elderly people can take many different forms, including control, exploitation, and theft.

Financial control can look like:

• Unpaid or late bills
• Misusing a Power of Attorney
• Taking charge of your finances
• Forcing you to sign up for a credit card
• Taking away access to your own bank accounts
• Having access/passwords to your bank accounts
• Paying you an allowance from your own money
• Making important financial decisions without you
• Denying you money for living essentials, such as bills, food, and medication.

Exploiting your finances can look like:

• Gambling away your money or assets
• Forcing you to claim benefits like Centrelink
• Forcing or manipulating you to change your will
• Living in your home without financially contributing
• Making you work in a family business without paying you.

Stealing and theft can look like:

• Selling your possessions
• Opening or taking your mail
• Property or assets going missing
• Forging your signature on documents
• “Borrowing” money without paying it back
• Taking or spending your money without asking
• Paying themselves an allowance from your money
• Accumulating debt on shared accounts or on your credit cards.

These are just some common examples and scenarios of what financial abuse against the elderly can look like. Sometimes, there may be other explanations for occurrences. Other times, financial abuse may be happening without you even realising it.

It’s important to know the potential signs of elderly financial abuse so that you can get the help you need.

Who can experience elder financial abuse?

Financial abuse is the most common form of abuse against older people; it is expected that 1 in 10 older Australians experience financial elder abuse each month. The numbers are likely higher than that, though, as elder abuse is severely underreported.

Various risk factors, such as living together or having a caretaking arrangement, make elderly Australians more vulnerable to being financially abused. Older people with poor physical or psychological health, as well as with higher levels of social isolation, are at increased risk of experiencing elder abuse.

Currently, with more and more families moving in together to save on the rising cost-of-living, the risk of financial abuse is increasing for the older members of our communities and our families.

If you are worried, know that you are not alone.

Who might be a perpetrator of elder financial abuse?

The perpetrator of abuse may not always realise that what they are doing is abuse, or even that it is wrong.

Those who inflict abuse upon older people are most often family members, typically adult children. However, abusers can also be caretakers or friends. In the case of scams, the abuser is typically a stranger.

It is often the case that the victim is dependent on the perpetrator in some way. This might mean that the abuser cares for the elderly person by giving them medical treatment, doing their shopping, and other activities that the older person cannot do themselves.

Typically, financial abuse against the elderly goes hand-in-hand with emotional abuse. Examples of financial abuse coexisting with emotional abuse may include gaslighting or manipulation. Gaslighting and manipulation as financial abuse tactics might sound like:

• “I’m your child, you’re supposed to look after me.”
• “Your bank card isn’t missing; your memory is just going bad.”
• “You’re getting too old to be responsible with your money.”

Sometimes, the abuser may not realise they are being abusive. The perpetrator may feel a sense of entitlement to the victim’s finances, and this might sound like:

• “I don’t have to ask, I’m your child!”
• “They would’ve wanted me to spend their money on this, anyways.”
• “I take care of you, so it’s only fair that I take some money for myself.”

Other times, the perpetrator may be suffering from underlying mental health issues, such as substance abuse or gambling, which give them financial motives to steal and exploit. There is never an excuse for abuse; looking at and treating the underlying causes can help bring the financial abuse to an end.

How can you stop elder financial abuse?

Financial abuse can cause the victim to lose their life savings, their home, and their livelihood.

If you or someone you care about may be a victim of financial abuse, it is vital to reach out for help. Even if the perpetrator is someone that you feel dependent on or scared of, there are resources that prioritise the safety and the best interests of the older person.

6 out of every 10 Australians are worried about someone they know being a victim of elderly financial abuse. However, WHO projects that only 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse are reported.

It’s everyone’s job to look after the most vulnerable members of our community; you can help stop financial abuse by reporting or reaching out.

Additionally, here are some tips on talking to an older person you’re worried about.

If you or someone you love may be a victim of elder financial abuse, our experienced counsellors can help. We can help you explore your concerns and possible solutions in a safe and supportive environment.

You can learn more about our Senior Financial Protection Service here, or call 1300 063 232.

“Cost of living” refers to the cost of essentials and day-to-day necessities.

In the past twelve months, the cost of living for seniors in Australia has risen by 6.3%. This major increase can make it difficult to financially plan and to save money.

As many pensioners and seniors have no active income stream, saving money is a vital skill to have.

We’ll explore 11 great tips for seniors and pensioners to save money despite the rise in cost of living.

1. Claim your government benefits

As a pensioner or as a senior, you may be eligible for certain government benefits. These benefits can include age pension and income support.

Age pension provides fortnightly financial support to older Australians who need it. Age pension comes with additional benefits, like a free direct bill paying service, a work bonus payment, and a concession card.

You can check your eligibility and learn more details about these various benefits here. Veterans may qualify for additional benefits.

2. Take advantage of concession cards

There are various concession cards for seniors available through the Queensland Government.

The different types of cards can save you money through:

• Queensland Government concessions
• Discounts on goods and services at participating businesses
• Public transport discounts
• Discounts through the free Senior Shopper service

You can check your eligibility and apply for a concession card on the Queensland Government’s Senior Card webpage.

3. Claim your entitlements

As a senior, you may also be eligible for certain subsidies.

You may be able to receive a subsidy of up to 20% (or a maximum of $200 annually) on your property rates and charges.

Queensland seniors may also qualify for the electricity rebate ($372.20 per year) and the reticulated natural gas rebate ($80.77 per year).

4. Cut forgotten subscriptions

Research shows that Australians are wasting an average of nearly $200 annually on forgotten subscriptions.

Review your bank statement to catch any regular subscriptions you may have forgotten about or are unaware of. For example, maybe you signed up for a free trial of a streaming service and forgot to cancel it before it started charging you.

You can also save money on subscriptions by signing up for family plans with your partner or your children. Plenty of services like Netflix and Spotify offer family plans that can save you lots of money.

5. Create a meal plan and a food budget

Creating a weekly meal plan for yourself can be as simple as writing a list of what you plan to eat each day. You can group days by ingredients and plan in advanced for leftovers.

Creating this meal plan will also help you to write a shopping list. A shopping list is so beneficial because it limits you from buying things you don’t need.

A food budget can help you stay within your means when shopping for groceries. It might take some time to find the perfect budget. By creating a meal plan and shopping lists, you can start to identify patterns in your spending to create a realistic and attainable budget. You’ll also start to build positive habits and find meals and snacks that work for you.

Some further tips of reducing your grocery bill include:

• Reducing meat from your meals
• Buying frozen vegetables instead of fresh
• Purchasing staple foods in bulk
• Finding cheaper store-brand alternatives to products

6. Tactfully reduce your bills

Be tactful about billed services, like:

• Cable – if you find yourself always using streaming services like Netflix anyways, it might be worth getting rid of your cable plan.
• Phone – do you have both a landline and a mobile phone? Consider cancelling your landline and instead making calls from your mobile phone only.
• Cooling and heating – only cool or heat the room you’re using instead of the entire house. Using blinds and door snakes can help regulate room temperature naturally. However, especially in the warm Queensland summers, it’s important to prioritise your health and comfort. Don’t totally forego using the air con simply to save some money.
• Laundry – only wash when the load is full. Use cold water. Hang-dry clothes instead of using the dryer. If this is a physically challenging task, a neighbour or family member may be more than happy to help.
• Electricity – unplug devices once they are done charging. Turn off the outlets of any plugged-in appliances that have a “standby mode.”

7. Look for free or cheaper alternatives to hobbies

Unfortunately, the rising cost of living might mean making some lifestyle changes. Luckily, there are likely free or cheaper alternatives.

For example, instead of buying books, get a card for your local library. Instead of buying crossword puzzle books, look for a free crossword puzzle app on your smart device. If you’re attending a yoga or exercise class, there could be a free option for seniors in your community.

Relationships Australia Queensland’s Senior Social Connection Program helps older Queenslanders in Sunshine Coast and Gympie to stay connected. Seniors in other areas of Queensland can find free social activities through the Queensland Government website.

8. Use Home Assist Secure for household repairs

Home Assist Secure is a service offered by the Queensland Government.

This service offers information, referrals, and subsidised assistance to eligible seniors with household jobs like replacing lightbulbs, maintaining smoke alarms, and small repairs.

9. Be aware of financial elder abuse

In Australia, financial elder abuse has been the most reported type of abuse against seniors.

Financial elder abuse can look like many things. Some signs may include restricted access to your own bank account or assets, family members controlling your money, and things disappearing around the house.

With the rising cost of living and housing, more and more families are moving in together to cut costs. However, these close living quarters and family dynamics can put seniors at great risk of financial abuse.

It’s okay to reach out for help. Our counsellors specialise in the protection of seniors against elder abuse, including financial abuse.

10. Don’t neglect self-care!

When stressing about finances, it’s tempting to sacrifice your wellbeing in favour of saving money.

For example, as stated above, you might worry about how expensive running your air con might be during the summer. However, it’s just not worth the potential health hazards and the discomfort. Experts recommend 24 degrees as the sweet spot between comfort and saving money.

There’s a common misconception that unhealthy food is cheaper than healthy food. This myth is perpetuated by instant-ready meals and fast food marketing.

However, research shows that a healthy diet in Australia is around 12-15% cheaper than an unhealthy one. Furthermore, An unhealthy diet can have severe health consequences, like diabetes and heart disease.

Using the tips above like making grocery lists and meal plans, buying frozen vegetables instead of fresh, and avoiding meat can help you have a healthy diet while sticking to a budget.

As an older person, you likely have new and evolving medical needs. Your health is so much more important than money. Take advantage of Medicare options as well as the concession cards detailed above to find healthcare options that are wallet-friendly.

Saving money also doesn’t have to mean sitting around and being bored. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities for seniors.

11. Get a free financial health check

If you need help or feel like you need to financially get back on track, talking to a Senior Financial Protection Service (SFPS) counsellor at Relationships Australia Qld can help.

The SFPS offers a free financial health check for seniors. Through this financial health check and subsequent support, the SFPS can:

• Ensure that your income and assets are protected
• Provide budgeting help, practical support, and references to relevant services
• Support if you are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, elder financial abuse
• Improve your financial resilience

You are not alone if you are feeling uncertain about your finances.

If you are worried about money, our experienced counsellors can provide you with a FREE Financial Health Check. We can help you explore your concerns and possible solutions in a safe and supportive environment.

You can learn more about our Senior Financial Protection Service here, or call 1300 063 232.

Want to receive updates on our Senior Relationship Services blog posts?

Nobody wants to feel lonely during the holiday season, but loneliness can amplify for seniors during this time.

Relationships Australia’s recent national survey shows that 27.1% of seniors feel socially lonely.

Research shows that loneliness and social isolation in the elderly can have detrimental effects, with links to mental and physical conditions such as depression, anxiety, heart disease, dementia, and more.

“224,000 older Australians are already living in social isolation all year round, and of course Christmastime is a huge cause for concern” (HelloCare). Christmas can be especially lonely for those who are widowed, whose children and grandchildren have grown up, and who live alone.

Here are ten ways you can help reduce loneliness for the elderly in our families and communities this holiday season.

1.      Organise a visit

“Older people may feel unwanted, or a burden, or that others don’t know they exist” (Compass). Including them in your holiday festivities will remind the older person that they are valued and cared about.

Invite an elderly family member or neighbour who may otherwise be alone to your Christmas Day celebration. Save them a comfortable seat and engage them in conversations and activities.

If they can’t come over, make time during the day or around Christmastime to pop over and visit them. Bring some food to share and put on some Christmas tunes to get into the festive spirit.

2.      Make a phone call

A recent survey found that “a phone call from a loved one is the best Christmas present many older people feel they can receive.”

If you can’t physically be with them, a phone call to an older family member can make a significant difference. Even if you don’t have a lot to talk about, the gesture already means so much.

3.      Put up Christmas decorations

People living alone tend not to decorate their homes for holidays, leaving Christmas to feel like just another day. Decorating an older person’s living space for Christmas is a huge mood-lifter.

You can bring over a small Christmas tree or some garland and tinsel. Be sure to tell them you’ll take the decorations down after Christmas so that they don’t need to stress about cleaning it up.

4.      Give them a gift or a handmade card

A simple gift or a handmade card can be a meaningful gesture and keepsake. You don’t have to get anything fancy.

For gift ideas, ask the older person what they need, or take note of things they like. A practical gift can include a coffee mug, a journal, or a puzzle.

5.      Offer to help with shopping

Shopping during the chaos of the holidays can be a daunting task for an older person.

Assisting with a trip to the shops is a great opportunity to turn a mundane task into a social outing. They’ll appreciate the help and the company, too.

6.      Volunteer at a local community event or organisation

There will never be a shortage of opportunities to volunteer, especially during the holiday season.

If you don’t personally know any older people, volunteering is an amazing way to meet them, hear their stories, and to help them.

Your time and effort will be extremely valued during Christmastime at local events and organisations for older people. You’ll feel good about your contributions, too.

Go Volunteer  and Volunteer list volunteering opportunities geared specifically towards helping older people in aged care settings.

You might find more opportunities through your local aged care centre, aged care community, or through a religious affiliation.

7.      Bake or cook something together

Grandparents are always the best chefs. Maybe your grandmother has a famous recipe that the entire family raves about, or perhaps there’s a cultural dish that you don’t know how to cook.

Baking gingerbread cookies or a Christmas cake can also be a fun opportunity to get creative and share some laughs.

Cooking together is a wholesome and relationship-building activity. Afterwards, you can enjoy the dish together while sharing conversation.

8.      Attend an event together, or offer to drive them to an event

Plenty of fun events happen around Christmastime, such as Christmas markets, musicals and plays, and Christmas parades. Offering to attend together will be a special bonding experience for you both.

Getting out of the house may reinvigorate the older person’s feelings of social isolation or loneliness.

The Senior Social Connect Program offers groups and events specifically aimed at reducing social isolation in older Queenslanders in Sunshine Coast and Gympie. Outside of these areas, the list on the Queensland Government website lists social connection programs and activities for seniors. Maybe this isn’t something you can attend together, but you can help them access these services by offering some transport.

With Queensland summer in full swing, be sure to be mindful of the heat and that you and the older person are sun safe.

9.      Introduce them to other seniors in the area

Playing a bit of platonic matchmaker can help more than one lonely senior. Maybe you can introduce your own grandparents to a friend’s grandparents, or to your elderly neighbour.

Having friends of their own age can help the older person to feel more connected and understood.

10.   Exchange stories

Not sure what to talk about during your phone call or visit with an older person? Just ask them to share some stories, such as favourite Christmas memories or what they were up to at your age.

“A simple conversation can brighten up an older person’s day and remind them how it feels to be connected to the community around them. They were all young once and have incredible stories and opinions to share” (Age UK).

Remember that this older person has lived a much longer life than you, and has plenty of experience and wisdom that you can learn from and enjoy.

Relationships Australia Queensland’s Senior Social Connect Program helps older Queenslanders in Sunshine Coast and Gympie to stay connected.

If you or an older person you know is feeling lonely or socially isolated, our Senior Relationships Services are here to help. Our experienced counsellors can help you explore your concerns and possible solutions in a safe and supportive environment.

You can learn more about our services here, or call 1300 063 232 to make an appointment.

While Christmas should ideally be a magical time, incidents and reports of abuse tend to increase.

It is everyone’s job to look out for the older and more vulnerable members of our families and communities.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some signs of elder abuse to be aware of this holiday season. We will also provide information and resources on what to do if you suspect an older person is a victim.

What is elder abuse?

Elder abuse is abuse which occurs against older people and senior citizens.

Data shows that 96.1% of abuse against older people occurs from someone that the older person has a close relationship with. Three-quarters of those cases occur from a son or daughter. It is often the case that the older person depends on their abuser for care and support.

These factors put the older person in a vulnerable position which makes it difficult to seek support.

As families come together for the holiday season, you can be on the lookout for these signs of elder abuse.

Signs of elder abuse

“Unfortunately for some older people, Christmas can be a time of fear and confusion. The stress of the holidays can intensify some of the factors that increase the risk of abuse” (Compass).

The most common types of elder abuse are psychological and financial.

Psychological abuse includes exposing a person to any behaviours that can induce negative emotions or a poor mental state.

Signs of elder psychological abuse may include:

• Worry or anxiety about being around a certain person
• Quieter and more resigned than usual
• Symptoms of depression or fear
• Social isolation or withdrawal
• Unusual passiveness or anger
• Changes in self-esteem and confidence

Financial abuse includes controlling a person’s money or assets, stealing, or taking advantage of someone’s finances.

Signs of elder financial abuse may include:

• Unexplained disappearance of belongings
• Limited or no access to their own money or bank accounts
• Inability to pay for essentials or bills
• Stockpiling of unpaid bills
• Disparity between living conditions and money

Abuse against older people can have serious implications on their health and wellbeing. “For older people, the consequences of abuse can be especially serious and recovery may take longer” (WHO).

Helping an older person you’re worried about

Considering that many victims of elder abuse are close with and even dependent on their perpetrator, it can feel scary or embarrassing to reach out for help. In some cases, they may not even realise that they are being abused.

If you suspect that an older person in your life is a victim of abuse, there are several ways you can help.

Firstly, it’s important to express your worry to them. We suggest that you find an appropriate time and place to have this discussion; the older person should feel safe and comfortable.

Remind them there is no shame in reaching out for help.

We offer some advice on talking to an older person you’re worried about here.

You can offer your help in accessing online resources, making phone calls, and driving them or accompanying them to any in-person appointments or sessions.

You should also regularly check in with anyone you suspect is a victim of abuse, especially over the holidays. Staying in touch can greatly help their situation. “Older people may feel unwanted, or a burden, or that others don’t know they exist” (Compass).

Resources for victims of elder abuse

Resources for elder abuse victims and their families are created with the protection of older people in mind.

Compass provides plenty of information about elder abuse. Share the Compass Holiday Guide with your older loved ones.

Our Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Service (EAPSS) is a free service designed with the wellbeing and the rights of the older person in mind. We provide support and assistance to those at risk of, or currently experiencing, elder abuse.

If you suspect a loved one is a victim of elder abuse, our Senior Relationships Services are here to help. Our experienced counsellors can help you explore your concerns and possible solutions in a safe and supportive environment.

You can learn more about our services here, or call 1300 063 232 to make an appointment.

Want to receive updates on our Senior Relationship Services blog posts?

Research shows older Australians are more likely to experience social isolation and loneliness than any other demographic. Those over 75 experience loneliness more than any other age group.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australians over 65 are increasingly likely to live alone, and living alone is one of the common causes of social isolation in seniors.

We explore some of the risk factors of social isolation in the elderly, the health effects of loneliness, and how to help your older loved ones stay connected.

Risk Factors

Older adults have a higher risk of loneliness and social isolation due to several factors such as:

• Living alone
• Being divorced, separated, or widowed
• Chronic illness
• Mobility issues
• Loss of family or friends
• Not living near loved ones
• Transportation challenges.

These are just some of the possible causes of social isolation in the elderly. If someone you love is experiencing any of these, there’s a chance they could be experiencing loneliness too.

Learn the signs of loneliness in seniors in this blog post.

Health Effects of Social Isolation

All humans – whether extroverted or introverted – are inherently social beings who need human connection and a sense of belonging. When these needs aren’t met, our physical and mental health can suffer.

Research tells us loneliness is just as bad for us as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. It’s a major risk factor for physical and mental health conditions such as:

• Depression and anxiety
• High blood pressure
• Cognitive decline
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Heart disease
• Obesity
• Stroke
• Poor sleep quality
• Weakened immune system.

Studies even show that social isolation is a significant contributor to early death.

Helping our Seniors Stay Connected

Seniors may need some help from their support networks to stay socially active. Here are three ways you can support your older loved one to stay connected and avoid social isolation:

• Stay in regular contact – Make an effort to call and visit your older loved one regularly. You might even like to organise a roster with other family and friends to ensure someone is checking in each day. This can be particularly important if your older loved one has health issues.
• Get them out of the house – Getting out and about gives them the chance to engage with the locals in their neighbourhood. Maybe they’ll become a regular at their local café and feel special when the barista calls them by name.
• Encourage social hobbies – Group activities such as tennis, bingo, water aerobics, and walking groups are all great ways to meet new people who share the same interests. Being part of a group can bring a special sense of belonging.

Find more ways to help lonely seniors here.

If your older loved one needs someone to talk to, our counsellors are here to listen. You can learn more about our counselling services here or call 1300 364 277 to make an appointment.

For specialised senior relationship services, discover our Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Service, Senior Financial Protection Service, Elder Mediation Support Service, and Senior Social Connection Program.