A recent national audit showed that as many as 600 aged-care homes failed in the past five years to provide minimal standards.
According to the AGE, neglect and mistreatment include inadequate nutrition and healthcare, poor facilities, sanitary neglect and undue use of sedation.
The Age's research shows that the underlying cause is an overall lack of staff, and an acute shortage of appropriately trained professionals.
The paper welcomes the announcement by the federal government of "relentless" unannounced spot checks of aged-care facilities.
The proportion of the population aged 65 and above has risen from less than 10 per cent 50 years ago to about 15 per cent, and is forecast to increase to 25 per cent by 2042.
The Age says it is in the interests of us all that these problems be resolved.
