NCJ Number
95698
Date Published
1984
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Results of an analysis of crimes against the elderly in Pennsylvania are presented, and a program is recommended to reduce the incidence of these crimes and their impact on senior citizens' quality of life.
Abstract
Data indicate that Pennsylvania's elderly population is increasing in number and proportion of total residents, and that many have incomes below the poverty level. Elderly persons living alone are found in a significant number of counties; most minority elderly live in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The incidence of crime is not directly related to the percentage of elderly residents in a county; it correlates more with total population than elderly residency. In addition, elderly criminal victimization trends in Pennsylvania apparently are similar to national patterns: the elderly are the least victimized of all age groups. However, the effects of crime are more devastating for the elderly than for younger age groups. Strategies for combatting the criminal victimization of Pennsylvania's elderly are recommended, including the following: The Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Report should be modified to include the sex, age, and race of victims; (2) crime prevention training should be given all elderly service providers; and (3) residential security services should be provided to Pennsylvania's elderly. Four figures are included.