(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Our region’s population is aging, and that growing older population is increasingly vulnerable to a number of abuses. Sometimes they fall victim to complex scams, in this digital age. Sometimes they fall prey to those on whom they should most be able to rely.

WalletHub estimates elder abuse is an issue that costs more than $2.3 billion per year. But the human toll is incalculable.

Certainly, policymakers do their best to put in place measures to stem everything from gross neglect and exploitation to financial abuse. But some parts of the country are doing better than others. Fortunately West Virginia and Ohio are among the best.

In WalletHub’s “States with the Best Elder-Abuse Protections (2026),” West Virginia ranked ninth in the country; Ohio ranked fifth. That’s pretty impressive.

Perhaps the Mountain State would have fared better were it not for being ranked 50th in nursing home quality and 47th for the number of certified volunteer ombudsmen.

“Our nation’s elderly population is vulnerable to being hurt physically, financially and mentally by both their families and their caregivers,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “Elderly people who foresee needing care in the near future, or families who want to make sure their relatives receive the best treatment possible, should be aware of the states with the best elder-abuse protections. These states offer robust legal safeguards, plenty of organizations and volunteers dedicated to helping elderly residents avoid abuse, and high-quality nursing homes and other care facilities.”

Lawmakers and organizations responsible for putting in place such strong protections for our region’s seniors are to be commended, though they cannot let up.

Meanwhile, there is some responsibility to bear for the rest of us, too.

If you are taking care of an older friend or relative, help them keep an eye out for unusual credit card or bank activity. Remind them to be cautious of new “friends” or alleged relatives, particularly if those people have an unusual interest in finances or property. Watch social media and other online activity; and keep an eye on changes in legal documents.

Of course, it is also important to keep an eye on a person’s physical and mental health, and whether their behavior is changing. Watch for changes in personal care habits, too. And try to remind the person they can talk with you if they have concerns about their situation.

Those who took care of us may now need support to stay safe. Government and the law can do a lot — and in our region, they do. But we must step up, too.