The elderly once lived in a world of handwritten letters and rotary phones. Today, they’re thrust into a digital landscape filled with smartphones, OTPs, phishing links, and AI-generated scams. While technology has brought convenience, it has also opened new doors for a quieter, more insidious form of elder abuse—one that thrives on screens, silence, and social distance.
Elder abuse has traditionally meant physical, emotional, or financial harm inflicted by caregivers or family members. But in the digital age, abuse has evolved. Now, it includes fraudulent emails, fake calls, deceptive apps, and identity theft, all targeting the vulnerable and often digitally illiterate.
Scammers prey on loneliness, confusion, and trust. An elderly person might receive a message saying their bank account has been frozen, or that they’ve won a lottery. A voice on the phone pretends to be a grandchild in trouble. And in those fragile moments of fear or hope, a life’s savings can vanish. Elders are at higher risk for scams not only due to naivety but because of cognitive changes and emotional needs that accompany aging. Slower information processing, memory issues, and a desire for companionship or help can impair judgment.
Many elders also grew up in more trusting times, when “a man’s word was his bond.” This makes it hard for them to imagine the level of deceit present in modern frauds. Scammers exploit this trust, often mimicking legitimate brands, banks, or even relatives through social engineering. Moreover, elders who are isolated are more likely to fall victim. With fewer people to talk to, fewer chances to double-check, and no digital literacy training, they are left alone to navigate a maze designed to confuse.
Emotional Isolation as Abuse
Digital abuse isn’t limited to scams. Sometimes, emotional neglect is disguised by digital access. Families may gift elders devices, but often lack genuine connection, replacing daily contact with silent videos and missed calls. Despite seeming “connected,” many elders feel lonelier than ever, which, combined with a lack of support, can lead to depression, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness, causing them to stop asking for help, believing they are a burden or unseen.
What Can Be Done?
- Digital Literacy Training: Empower elders to identify scams, protect their passwords, and use technology with confidence. Even basic workshops at local libraries or community centres can help.
- Check In, Not Just Check On: Regular, meaningful conversations go beyond asking if everything’s okay. Ask about what they’re receiving, what worries them, and whether they need help with technology.
- Monitor Unusual Behaviour: Sudden financial decisions, secrecy, or agitation when using devices can be warning signs. Approach with care, not control.
- Community Action: Create safe spaces where elders can share concerns, report abuse, or learn together. Collective support helps restore confidence.
In a world that’s constantly upgrading, we must ensure we’re not leaving our elders behind—or alone. Protecting them in the digital age isn’t just about installing firewalls or blocking calls. It’s about offering patience, education, and real human connection.
Because the greatest safeguard against exploitation isn’t software—it’s solidarity.
