In 2016, there were approximately 101,660 seniors ages 65 years and older living in Simcoe Muskoka, this is a population increased of 23.3% during a five-year period, and is the fastest growing age group.
These statistics are important as we look at risk to seniors and particularly abuse to seniors. Abuse against seniors can take many forms: physical, financial, emotional, neglect, and sexual abuse. With financial abuse being to most prevalent and most destructive to the senior. Financial abuse happens when someone gains financial access of the senior’s money/assets and/or it can be the result of frauds and scams.
Senior abuse occurs when the abuser uses their position of power to intimidate, isolate, control, or gain financial access. The senior is often dependent on the abuser for some assistance such as: physical care, grocery shopping, driving to appointments, helping with their banking, or general household duties. Dependency tends to increase the risk of becoming victimized.
Statistics Canada (2013) Section 4: Family violence against seniors.
Muskoka District Health Unit (2016) Health Stats Senior Population Count