Yesterday was World Elder Abuse Day, and the Cortland County Area Agency on Aging held an event on the subject.
The gathering occurred on the front steps of the County Office Building in Cortland and was just one of many happening all over the world. Elder abuse takes place when an adult over age 60 is abused, neglected or financially exploited. HIICAP and NY Connects Coordinator for the Agency on Aging Cyndy Van Patten Young had this to say about the rate of elder abuse and how many older adults are victims just in New York State.
“Elder abuse is a hidden tragedy. One in ten older adults experience abuse at least one time in their lives. There are approximately 260,000 older adults who are victims of abuse just in New York State alone.” Cyndy Van Patten Young said to the crowd.
Recent figures from the State Division of Consumer Protection show that financial fraud and exploitation amongst the elderly cost victims nearly $36.5 billion.
