Experiencing abuse at any age can have devastating consequences for physical and mental health.
But our new report suggests that what may happen to people in later life – including abuse, poverty and social isolation – plays a far bigger role in shaping health and wellbeing than is often recognised.
Understanding what can affect our health in later life is vital as we see increasing ageing populations. Globally, however, there is a lack of data on the number of older people who experience hardships such as physical, sexual or emotional abuse, and the effects they have. Abuse is also only one of a range of adversities that people can experience in later life.
To help address this, between February and May 2025, we surveyed 1,085 people aged 60 and over in their homes across Wales. We asked participants about their adverse experiences since turning 60. This included hardships such as exposure to abuse, feeling lonely or socially isolated, struggling financially, difficulties accessing health or social care, and feeling overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities.
We also asked them about their general physical health, mental health, life satisfaction and behaviour such as smoking and alcohol use. For the first time in Wales, our survey also measured exposure to ageism using a new tool developed by the World Health Organization.
What emerged was a striking picture of how common later-life adversity is. Half of those surveyed reported experiencing at least one of the five adversities above. Many faced more than one at the same time.
More than one in ten people said they had experienced abuse since turning 60. Verbal abuse was the most commonly reported, followed by physical abuse and financial abuse. Around one in five of the people we surveyed reported having struggled financially or having felt lonely or socially isolated.
These experiences were closely tied to poorer health. People who had experienced abuse were more than twice as likely to smoke and more than four times more likely to report suicidal thoughts or self-harm. Those who had felt lonely or socially isolated were nearly three times as likely to report low life satisfaction, and more than four times more likely to have poor mental wellbeing.
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Abuse and loneliness also increased the likelihood of experiencing ageism. For example, people who had experienced abuse were twice as likely to report ageist treatment. While older respondents were more likely to report ageism than younger ones within the sample, there were no differences between men and women.
Taken together, our findings demonstrate how deeply social experiences in later life shape health. Protecting wellbeing as people age is not just about medical care, it also depends on feeling safe, connected and financially secure.
Why this is important
This matters for society as a whole. Older people make an essential contribution to society, and with an ageing population there is increasing reliance on older adults to be well and economically active. Supporting people to live well for longer benefits everyone. Preventing abuse and addressing loneliness and hardship could reduce pressure on health services while improving quality of life for older adults.
In Wales, initiatives such as the Age Friendly Wales government-led strategy aim to help older people remain independent at home, stay connected to their communities and participate fully in society. Our findings reinforce the importance of this approach and the need to identify and support those facing adversity earlier.
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There are also important gaps. Our survey included only people living in their own homes, meaning those in residential care were not represented. People with cognitive impairment were also excluded. Both groups may be at greater risk of abuse, underlining the need for further research.
We also need a better understanding of where abuse happens and who is responsible. Without this, prevention efforts will always fall short.
Later life should not be a time of hidden harm. By recognising abuse, loneliness and financial strain as public health issues – not just private problems – we can take meaningful steps toward ensuring people are able to age with dignity, security and good health.
This research was part funded by the ACE Hub Wales (hosted by Public Health Wales and funded by the Welsh Government). Part funding for the work was also provided by Liverpool John Moores University. Kat Ford receives funding from Public Health Wales NHS Trust. She is affiliated with Bangor University and Public Health Wales NHS Trust.
Karen Hughes is fully employed by Public Health Wales NHS Trust and is an Honorary Professor at Bangor University.
