World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Highlights the Importance of Social Connection
Elder abuse is a significant public health issue that can take many forms, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect. Warning signs may include unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, unsafe living conditions, social isolation, unusual financial activity, or sudden changes in behavior. Unfortunately, many cases go unreported, making awareness and prevention efforts especially important.
Social isolation and loneliness are important risk factors for elder mistreatment and can contribute to poorer physical and mental health outcomes. Older adults who have limited social connections may be less likely to receive support, access resources, or have concerns recognized by others. Strengthening social connections and increasing engagement with trusted individuals can help reduce risk and promote overall well-being.
The Texas Elder Abuse & Mistreatment (TEAM) Collaboratory at UTHealth Houston Institute on Aging, is working to address these challenges through research, education, and community-based programs. Through its social connection initiatives, TEAM Collaboratory helps educate health professions students about elder mistreatment, incorporates screening and support for older adults, and works to reduce social risk factors that can negatively affect health and quality of life. These efforts are reaching older adults in Houston and communities across Texas.
One example is the statewide. Step-up connections is a collaborative program between the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Adult Protective Services (APS) and the TEAM Collaboratory that pairs APS clients’ adults 18 years and older with disabilities and those 65 and older with no disability requirement with health professional students for 8-weeks of social bonding and resource connection calls. These regular conversations help foster meaningful social connections while providing opportunities to identify unmet needs and connect participants with additional support and resources when appropriate. Eligible participants may also be connected with counseling services through the Trauma and Resilience Center at UTHealth Houston.
As World Elder Abuse Awareness Day reminds us, preventing elder mistreatment requires awareness, connection, and collaboration. Through education, research, and community-based programs, the TEAM Collaboratory is working to connect and protect older adults across Texas.
