Elderly victims of violent crime were significantly more likely to be victimized at or near their home than victims under the age of 65. Elderly victims of violent crime were less likely to use measures of self-protection compared to victims under the age of 65. Elderly victims of all forms of crime, including crimes of violence, crimes of theft, and household crime, were significantly more likely to report their victimizations to the police compared to victims under the age of 65. Elderly victims of violent crime were less likely to take self-protective action than were younger victims. It is therefore particularly important for the older person to observe basic safety rules.
Pets can break the barriers between humans.
It has been documented that people are more likely to approach a person in a wheelchair if the person is accompanied by a service dog. The positive effect of the presence of animals on human blood pressure has been well documented. The unconditional love and companionship of an animal can be beneficial to all pet owners, regardless of their age or health. And for many, pets are one of the most important parts of their lives. A 1994 study by the National Center on Elder Abuse in Washington, DC says there were more than 29,000 cases of financial exploitation last year.