Introduction

The elderly comprise the fastest growing segment of the United States population, with most older Americans enjoying a better quality of life in terms of health, housing, recreation and income security than any other aging population in the nation’s history.

And yet, now more than ever before, the elderly are increasingly concerned about crime and the devastating consequences of victimization. While most studies show that the elderly are less likely to become victims of violent crimes than younger groups, it is evident that in some categories -- robbery, purse snatching, and fraud -- the elderly are specifically targeted as crime victims.

Physical, financial and emotional abuse of the elderly are highly prevalent, but grossly underreported, crimes. Statistics uncover a frightening picture of elder abuse in this country. One of every 20 elderly persons will be a victim of abuse this year, according to the House Select Committee on Aging.

Crime victimization, which traumatizes people of all ages, may have especially serious physical and emotional consequences for the elderly.

When we consider that people over age 65 will number about 52 million in the year 2020, crime victimization against the elderly is a problem we cannot ignore.

The purpose of this handbook is to provide basic information on crimes that specifically target senior citizens; to provide prevention techniques that inform seniors of ways to avoid victimization; and to provide community resources.

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