The NC Division of Aging and Adult Services announces Elder Abuse awareness month and offers the following information: Each year, more than two million vulnerable and older adults are victims of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Research has shown that older adults who are abused, neglected and exploited are three times more likely to die within ten years than those who are not. According to national statistics, elder abuse is grossly under reported because vulnerable and older adults who are being abused find it very difficult to tell anyone due to shame and fear.