New Study Highlights Where Arizona Ranks for Elder-Abuse Protection

Recently, WalletHub released the results of a study on the states with the best and worst elder-abuse protections. With the high number of retirees in Arizona, I was curious about where our state ranked on the list.

According to the US Census Bureau, the population of adults 65 and older will almost double, from 57.8 million in 2022 to about 106.3 million over the next 75 years, and Arizona is a popular destination for this segment of our population.

Why Do Retirees Choose Arizona, and How Many Are Here?

Arizona is a retirement magnet. You can thank the sunshine and pleasant weather, the lower living costs, and the prevalence of active adult communities scattered throughout the state.

This year, about 17.1% of Arizona's population is 65 or older. That's about 1.2 million people statewide.

Cities like Sun City West is made up of about 86% retirees, and Green Valley has around 80%. This concentration means that elder abuse prevention isn’t just a side issue; it's a subject that's central to our community. Arizona's senior population is projected to grow by 40% by 2030.

RELATED: Why Healthcare Careers Are Booming In Arizona Right Now

What is Considered 'Elder Abuse'?

Elder abuse isn’t just bruises or neglect. It’s a wide spectrum, from physical and emotional mistreatment to financial exploitation and abandonment. Financial exploitation alone costs seniors over $28 billion annually.

Across the United States, about 1 in 10 adults over 60 experience abuse. Sadly, during the pandemic, that number spiked to 1 in 5.

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Older adults in nursing homes are especially vulnerable: about 16% of residents report abuse, and two-thirds of caregivers admit to some form of mistreatment. SeniorLiving.com reports that only about 1 in 24 cases ever gets reported.

How Does Arizona Compare with the Rest of the Country?

WalletHub ranks Arizona 12th in the nation for elder-abuse protections. We're doing fairly well when compared to other states. That doesn't mean we're in the clear; agencies in Arizona receive more than 30,000 reports of elder abuse every year, according to the Arizona Department of Economic Security (AZ DES)

RELATED: How Aging In Arizona Affects Alzheimer's Rates And Families

Elder abuse is often hidden, but with Arizona’s large retiree base, it’s a community-wide concern. Whether you're part of the population, have an aging parent, or are near an aging friend or neighbor, it's important to look for signs of elder abuse.

Stay alert, report suspicions, and support oversight programs to protect loved ones and yourself.