National Study on the Abuse of Older People
About the study
The National Study on the Abuse of Older People in Aotearoa New Zealand was commissioned by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) as part of its Prevention of Abuse of Older People work programme. The research was undertaken by the New Zealand Policy Research Institute (NZPRI) at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), in collaboration with researchers from across New Zealand and internationally.
The study provides the most comprehensive evidence to date on the prevalence, nature, impacts and costs of harm experienced by older people in Aotearoa New Zealand. It brings together a nationally representative survey of people aged 55 and over living in the community, analysis of linked administrative data, qualitative interviews with older people who have experienced harm, research with financial and legal professionals, and analysis of economic and social costs.
The findings provide evidence to inform policies, services and initiatives to prevent harm and improve support for older people.
Key findings
Research reports
The National Study produced ten research reports. The summary of findings provides an overview of the main results, while the remaining reports present more detailed analysis from each part of the study.
Overview
- National Study of Abuse of Older People: Summary of findings
Brings together the main findings from across the study, including the prevalence, nature, impacts and costs of harm, and key recommendations.
- Disability synthesis report
Brings together findings from across the study relating to the experiences of disabled older people.
Prevalence survey
- Prevalence survey on the abuse of older people in New Zealand
Presents findings from a nationally representative survey of 5,613 people aged 55 and over living in the community. It examines the prevalence and different types of harm, who is responsible for the harm, and help-seeking behaviour.
- Prevalence survey: Methodology report
Describes how the prevalence survey was designed and conducted, including sampling, data collection, weighting and quality assurance.
- Defining thresholds for measuring prevalence of abuse of older people in Aotearoa New Zealand
Explains how the study determined which experiences of harm were included in its prevalence estimates, drawing on international research, expert consultation and survey data.
Administrative data analysis
- Abuse of older people: Integrated Data Infrastructure analysis
Uses linked administrative data to examine recorded incidents of harm among older people living in the community, and their subsequent health and economic outcomes.
- Abuse of older people in aged residential care: Supplementary analysis
Examines what administrative data can tell us about harm experienced by older people living in aged residential care, including important gaps in the available evidence.
Qualitative research and financial harm
- Findings from qualitative interviews with older NZ European, Māori, Pacific and disabled people who have experienced abuse
Explores older people’s lived experiences of harm, the circumstances in which it occurs, and the barriers and enablers to seeking help.
- Finance and legal sector perspectives on financial abuse of older people in Aotearoa New Zealand
Examines how financial harm is identified, addressed and prevented by financial institutions and legal professionals, and opportunities to strengthen protections for older people.
Economic and social costs
- Economic and social costs of abuse of older people
Estimates the economic costs of harm to older people, their families and whānau, government and wider society, and discusses broader consequences for wellbeing.
Research team
The study was undertaken by a multidisciplinary team of researchers:
Dr Lisa Meehan, Professor Denise Wilson, Dr Ayesha Scott, Dr Rebecca Benson, Dr Leon Iusitini, Dr Wei-Lin Chen, Professor Gail Pacheco, Professor El-Shadan (Dan) Tautolo, Professor Katherine Ravenswood, Dr Michael Roguski, Associate Professor Alayne Mikahere-Hall, Professor Marama Muru-Lanning, Kelly Nicholson, Zam Suan Mung, Serene Chua, and Professor Corina Naughton.
The research team thanks the older people and professionals who generously shared their experiences and insights, along with the organisations and agencies that contributed to the study.
Contact
For enquiries about the National Study of Abuse of Older People, please contact the New Zealand Policy Research Institute (NZPRI) at Auckland University of Technology.