Seniors For Living

Staying safe is a worthy goal for people of all ages, but we all know that seniors are often targeted for their perceived vulnerability. I say “perceived” because many older people are less fearful of things that go bump in the night than their younger counterparts, and many of them would strongly defend themselves in a scary situation, rather than cower in fear.

Several elderly women I know have each shared their own stories to confirm this: one of them told me a burglar had entered her house and she wasn’t the least bit afraid. She came after him with a frying pan, or a baseball bat… honestly, I can’t quite remember what the object was in the story because I was just so darn impressed that she confronted him and told him to get lost. And you know what? He did get lost – he left her home, and as far as I know, he never returned again.

In another case, my neighbor had stopped by to drop off my spare house keys after walking my dogs for me on a night I was getting home late from work. I asked her if my husband could walk her home and she refused, saying, “I’m a tough old bird. If someone tried to mess with me, he’d be sorry.”

Maybe you know a senior like these women who just aren’t afraid of becoming crime victims. But whether or not they’re brave does not matter to the person(s) committing the crime. Whether you are talking about burglary, rape or even something as subtle as fleecing or fraud, there is a tendency for criminals to view the elderly as an easy target. And, in today’s mess of an economy, more people are strapped for cash and seeking desperate measures, which means that maybe the neighbor down the street, who never so much as waved or said “good morning” before, is taking a new interest in old Mrs. Smith, who lives alone and is known to have money stored under her mattress.

This post isn’t meant to cause fear or panic, but as with so many things, education and awareness can make the difference in a difficult situation. Know what to do (or not do) when you’re parking your car in a lot that’s quite a distance from your destination. Learn how to see the signs that you are being swindled or cheated out of money. Recognize that if you live alone, there are a number of things you can do to give the appearance that someone else is there, which may discourage a burglar.

It’s no fun to live in fear, but in this case, ignorance is not bliss. Be aware of your surroundings, and like my friend with the frying pan, be ready to protect yourself. Read the tips on the Sarasota County Sheriff’s office website - even though they are marked as “crime prevention tips for seniors,” these guidelines are useful for people of any age.

- Michelle Seitzer