New attempts are being made to protect old people from abuse

They have helped to write a booklet which sets out in plain language how victims of abuse can obtain help.

It details how pensioners can experience psychological, physical and financial abuse at the hands of their families, neighbours or carers.

Age Concern Scotland said the booklet aimed to highlight what was too often a hidden problem.

For too long elderly people had suffered in silence, not knowing where to turn, the charity added.

The average age of those who wrote the booklet is 84.