Elder Justice: Protecting Aging with Dignity

It’s estimated that 1 in 10 older adults in the U.S. experiences abuse, neglect or financial exploitation — and it often goes unnoticed. On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Christina Chen sits down with elder justice expert and MacArthur Fellow M.T. Connolly to explore what it really means to age with safety, dignity and purpose — and why our current systems often fall short. From caregiver burnout and social isolation to financial scams and gaps in long-term care, this conversation unpacks the hidden risks older adults face — and what families, caregivers and communities can do to help prevent harm before it happens. You’ll also learn about the RISE model (Repair harm, Inspire change, Support connection, Empower choice), a community-based approach shown to reduce elder abuse and support healthier aging outcomes. Whether you’re caring for a loved one, planning for your own future or working in health care, this episode offers practical insights to help support safer, more connected aging. In this episode, you’ll learn: What elder justice really means — beyond preventing abuse • Why aging in America is becoming more complex • Common warning signs of elder abuse and financial exploitation • How caregiver stress can increase risk — and what helps • Why social connection is one of the strongest protective factors • How the RISE program is changing outcomes for older adults For more resources and episodes, visit mayoclinic.org/agingforward. If you found this episode helpful, subscribe, rate and share to help others find the show.Listen to more Aging Forward episodes at: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/podcasts/aging-forward/ 00:00:00 — Intro to elder abuse/neglect, lack of support systems, and podcast overview 00:01:05 — Defining elder justice beyond abuse prevention—agency, dignity, and wellbeing 00:02:06 — Aging population, vulnerability, and systemic gaps 00:03:08 — Family caregiver burden and lack of long-term care infrastructure 00:04:11 — Scams, AI threats, and unseen vulnerabilities 00:05:11 — How independence culture increases risk and reduces protection