The Department of Elder Affairs administers programs and services for elders across the state of Florida through 11 Area Agencies on Aging. Report elder abuse physical, emotional, financial exploitation to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 18009622873 (180096ABUSE)Individuals are commonly considered senior citizens when they reach the age of 65. The Department of Elder Affairs is Florida's designated state unit on aging, in accordance with the federal Older Americans Act and Ch. 430, Florida Statutes. ELDER HELPLINE​​ If you are seeking assistance for an older adult, and calling from Florida, please call 1-800-96-ELDER. For example, Floridians qualify for government programs beginning at the age of 60, when they are deemed senior citizens. To report elder abuse, call the Florida Abuse Hotline: 180096ABUSE (18009622873). You may also choose to submit an online report. The federal government, states, commonwealths, territories and the District of Columbia all have laws designed to protect older adults from elder abuse. The Older Americans Act (OAA) is a federal law that aims to improve the quality of life for Americans aged 60 years old and older.