Older People's Safety
Older People's Fear of Crime
written by Walter Harris of the Torfaen Older People's Forum|.
The Wales Assembly Government produced the ‘Strategy for Older People in Wales’ in 2003; this strategy is intended to examine the lives of older people in Wales both now and in future. Funding local authorities to: "…provide the basis for effective planning for an ageing population."
In the Older Persons Strategy for Torfaen 2005-13, one of the Key Objectives is "To enable people to participate in events and activities reducing fear of safety whilst travelling to and from home." People of any age shouldn’t be afraid to go out at anytime, but obviously in some localities where there is some anti-social behaviour - people are in a constant state of fearing violence. Older people in particular can be greatly affected in these circumstances, which can lead to their exclusion from the community and many visits to the doctor. They are ‘prisoners of fear’.
South Wales Police’s Deputy Chief Constable Peter Vaughan, who is encouraged by the recently reducing crime figures said:
"Violence against the person is often alcohol related and tends to occur in busy town and city centres where the nightlife is most prevalent. What must be recognised is the effective response from emergency services and other partner agencies from the public and private sector. Together we have put in place many preventative measures and have devised ways to respond to incidents more effectively and efficiently than ever before."
"Cases such as that of 84-year-old Catherine Wrenn, who died after being mugged for £13, appear to leave people with a disproportionate sense of levels of crime." (BBC News 2002)
Nevertheless, friends and acquaintances I speak to agree, that generally older women fear walking alone at night – anywhere. Perhaps the older primeval instincts like ‘fear of the unknown in dark places’ may add to the fear created by the media?
How important are older people in Wales?
Wales has the oldest population in the UK, with 65% over 65. In the 2001 census, 584,200 people had reached retirement age, which is equal to a fifth of the Welsh population.
If you are an older person - or someone who knows an older person - you may find these links useful.
SPARC - Strategic Promotion of Ageing Research Capacity Planning|
Worried About Crime|
Coded For Keeps|
In Doubt? Keep Them Out|
Fire safety - Free Fire Safety Checks|
Fire safety - Free Electric Blanket Checks|