 Health & Nutrition
Thoughts on
Aging
Older Adults and Crime - May 5, 2011
(2 minutes: 00 seconds)
 WMA (audio
only)
Audio/Video Script:
Dr. LaVona Traywick
Assistant Professor - Gerontology
[Announcer] Welcome to Thoughts on Aging with Dr. LaVona Traywick,
Assistant Professor of Gerontology with the University of Arkansas Division of
Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.
[Dr. LaVona Traywick] While older adults are less likely to be victims of crime than younger
people, older adults involved in robbery, purse-snatching, and car theft are
often more seriously hurt. In order to enjoy life and not fear crime, older
adults, like all people, need to be careful and aware of their surroundings.
At
home, keep your doors and windows locked - even when you are in the house. Always
look through the peephole prior to opening the door - and don't open the door if
you feel uneasy or if the person does not have proper identification.
Don't keep
lots of cash in your home and try to get to know your neighbors so that they
may spy unusual activity in your neighborhood. When walking on the street, stay alert, avoid lonely
or dark places, and try not to walk alone. Be sure to park your car in well-lit
areas and lock your car door as soon as you get in the car.
If you carry a
purse, hold it close to your body and place the strap over your shoulder and
across your chest if it is long enough. It is a good idea to keep wallets in
inside pockets and checkbooks and credit cards in different places. If you go to
the bank, try not to go at the same time every week and take advantage of direct
deposits if you can. Don't be a hero - hand over your cash or purse to a robber if
you are confronted.
Don't forget that crime also includes identity theft, fraud,
and elder abuse.
[Announcer] Thank you for listening to Thoughts on Aging with Dr. LaVona
Traywick. To learn more about this and other topics, contact your local county
Cooperative
Extension Service office.
Source:
National Institute on Aging: Crime and Older People (http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/crime.htm)
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