Certainly, abuse increases with age, with 78% of victims being over 70 years of age.The higher proportion of spousal homicides supports the suggestion that abuse of older women is often a continuation of long term spousal abuse against women. In contrast, the risk of homicide for older men was far greater outside the family than within. This is an important point because the domestic violence of older people is often not recognized and consequently strategies, which have proved effective within the domestic violence arena, have not been routinely transferred into circumstances involving the family abuse of older people. According to the Hourglass helpline in the UK, abuse occurs primarily in the family home (64%), followed by residential care (23%), and then hospitals (5%), although a helpline does not necessarily provide a true reflection of such situations as it is based upon the physical and mental ability of people to utilize such a resource.Research conducted in New Zealand broadly supports the above findings, with some variations. Of 1288 cases in 2002–2004, 1201 individuals, 42 couples, and 45 groups were found to have been abused. Of these, 70 percent were female. Psychological abuse (59%), followed by material/financial (42%), and physical abuse (12%) were the most frequently identified types of abuse. Sexual abuse occurred in 2% of reported cases.Age Concern New Zealand found that most abusers are family members (70%), most commonly sons or daughters (40%).
Neglect is a type of abuse in that it can be inflicted either by the caregiver or oneself. Signs of neglect include malnutrition and dehydration, poor hygiene, noncompliance to a prescription medication, and unsafe living conditions.In addition to observing signs in the elderly individual,  abuse can also be detected by monitoring changes in the caregivers behavior. For example, the caregiver may not allow them to speak to or receive visitors, exhibit indifference or a lack of affection towards the elder, or refer to the elder as "a burden." Caregivers who have a history of substance abuse or mental illness are more likely to commit elder abuse than other individuals.Abuse can sometimes be subtle and therefore difficult to detect. Regardless, awareness organizations and research advise to take any suspicion seriously and to address concerns adequately and immediately. Signs of elder abuse
Lacks medical aids such as glasses, walker, hearing aids
Displays signs of emotional trauma
Broken eyeglasses/frames, or physical signs of punishment or being restrained
Displays signs of insufficient care or unpaid bills despite adequate financial resources
Broken bones or fractures
Poor physical appearance
Changes in mental status
Frequent infections
Bruising, scratches, welts, or cuts
Unexplained weight loss
Refusal to speak
Signs of dehydration
Lack of cleanliness

Health consequences
The health consequences of elder abuse are serious. Elder abuse can destroy an elderly persons quality of life in the forms of:
Declining functional abilities
Increased dependency, sense of helplessness, and stress
Worsening psychological decline
Premature mortality and morbidity
Depression and dementia
Malnutrition
Bedsores
DeathThe risk of death for elder abuse victims are three times higher than for non-victims.