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Crime And The Elderly

_ Crime can happen to anyone, but it can be especially problematic for the elderly for several reasons.

Not being aware of crime as much

The elderly can be somewhat more unaware of crime than can younger people, simply because they may not pay attention as much to current media in regard to crime dangers. After all, they grew up in another era when crime was not as prevalent and therefore they may not have had to protect themselves as we're used to doing now.

Being seen as having "more money"

Of course, it's not always true, since the elderly can be as poverty-stricken as anyone especially in this day and age of shrinking pensions and Social Security; typically, though, the elderly are often seen as a group that has more money at its disposal than many younger groups.

In many cases, this is true, since they may have significant pensions, Social Security, or investments that enable them to live comfortably after they've retired from their careers.

Having mobility issues that make them more vulnerable

Because the elderly can be more vulnerable than other groups simply because they may have mobility issues or health issues that make them more susceptible to muggings or other types of crime, they can become targets to those who would do these types of things.

How to protect yourself or someone you love

If you're in this category and you might be at risk, or if you have someone you love such as a parent who might be, there are precautions you can take that can help make crime less likely to happen. It's not entirely foolproof and crime can happen anyway, but these are some ways to lower risk.

Become aware of crime

No one is saying that you should become fearful, but do take precautions when you're going to be out by yourself. Don't go out after dark unless you're with someone, be aware of your surroundings at all times, and carry a handheld alarm that you can press in the event you find yourself in danger of attack. Pressing a button on one of these alarms emits a shrieking noise that will likely drive criminals away.

In addition, you can put safety devices around your neck or wrist that you can simply press a button on if you are home and are subject to a break-in; this immediately alerts law enforcement so that they're on their way without your having to pick up the phone.

Carry only the cash you need with you -- and keep the rest in the bank

Instead of carrying a lot of cash with you, carry only what you need with you. Better yet, use debit cards, credit cards, and checks for most purchases, and leave the cash in the bank with only a small amount for emergency purposes that are "cash only," like gas purchases.

Don't keep a lot of cash in the house or on your person, because this makes you an easier target. And if you do carry some cash, keep quiet about it. Don't let your neighbors know that you keep a lot of cash in house, for example. This could make you a target.

Mobility issues can make you a target, so be careful

If you have significant mobility issues that are going to make you a target, be careful. Go out only during the day or with someone so that you're not seen as an easy target, and make sure your physical capabilities can handle the task you're doing.

For example, if you can walk but using a scooter makes you much more secure on errands, use a scooter instead. You'll have a wider "base" by sitting down, and you'll be less likely to fall or be able to be knocked over.

Finally, be aware of "helpful" people. Many people truly do want to help, and that's fine. However, if your intuition is telling you that someone who wants to "help" you might actually want to get close to you to do harm, stay away.

Never be polite at the expense of your safety.