Keep our senior citizens safe

CRIMINALS often prey on older members of society because they are seen as vulnerable, soft targets, and the safety of senior citizens must be highlighted and addressed all year round.

As the world celebrates International Day of Older Persons today (Saturday), Ivan Govender, security expert from ADT, says that it is an unfortunate reality that the elderly are often victims of con-artists, who are experts at offering vulnerable senior goods or services that are ‘too good to be true’.

‘Be suspicious of anyone who tries to rush you into signing any kind of contractual agreement. Never freely give your personal details – including your credit card, identity or banking information – to anyone who randomly calls and asks for them.’

Be involved

And the younger generations do have a role to play.

‘Regularly visit or call elderly relatives or neighbours and offer to help them with chores or maintenance around the house.

‘They may not be as confident as they once were when it comes to tasks like climbing onto ladders to change light bulbs or carrying home the grocery shopping, and knowing that you are around to help may ease some of the related stress and anxiety and possibly prevent

them from becoming a victim of crime.’

Secure the home

Safety begins at home, regardless of whether you live by yourself, with your partner or in a retirement village.

Ensure that the locks you have fitted on windows and doors are of a good quality and will not break easily.

Also, keep a list of important contact numbers near the telephone so that no time is wasted in the event of an emergency.

‘If there’s a knock at the door and you do not have a peephole, call out to the person and ask them to identify themselves.

‘If it is a service or delivery person, do not simply open the door to them but insist on seeing their identification.

‘You have the right to refuse them entry into your home if you are not convinced that they are who they say they are.’

Govender said that safety must also be a priority when out and about.

“When senior citizens plan to go out, even if it is just for a short walk, they should be reminded to always tell someone where they are going, and when they expect to return.

‘If you are going to the shops, never hold your handbag dangling at the straps – keep it tucked tightly under your arm.

‘If you are only taking along your purse or wallet, either carry it in the front pocket of your trousers or in an inside jacket pocket.

‘While shopping, never leave your handbag or anything of value, like a cell phone, unattended or in the trolley.’

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