The elderly community has been vulnerable to different types of harm such as elder abuse, social media scams, and financial misdirection. The Social Security Administration is fighting back against these forms of violence by educating the community on how to recognize, report, and prevent further damage to the elderly population.

Jack Myers, Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration defines elder abuse as the physical, emotional, and financial mistreatment of an older person. He continued by saying that many instances of elder abuse go unreported.

Aspects such as behavior changes, unusual fear or anxiety, or intentional isolation are some personal characteristics that could prove one to be suffering from elder abuse says Myers. Physical abuse is more easily spotted as bruises, burns or unexplained injuries could be common signs of abuse.

Many of the signs to look out for would only be noticed by a caretaker or a close loved one, sometimes that close individual is the abuser themselves, Myers explains that's why it is always helpful to check in on neighbors and friends.

If one is suspected of being a victim of elder abuse, Myers directs these emergencies to the Illinois Adult Services phone number at 866-800-1409. The same number can be used to report cases of abuse to a person with a disability.

For more information on the Social Security Administration, visit their website at ssa.gov

Jack Myers appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.