Many risks lurking for older people

Children and young people are particularly vulnerable groups in society. Of course, so are many others, such as various minorities or those struggling with diverse problems and challenges, as well as victims of repeated domestic violence. We should pay far more attention to all of this and to those affected.

While it is important for criminal liability to be realised, preventive measures can also be employed to prevent crimes. At the same time, we also need to pay attention to the prevention of recidivism and intergenerational crime. The toolkits of all authorities (not forgetting organisations) should include more tools for expertise and working together in this respect.

Safe and dignified old age is a human right

In this context, I would like to highlight older people, who are referred to in various expressions, such as the elderly, the aged, old-age pensioners or seniors. These people are honorary citizens who deserve to be treated well and in a dignified way, as well as to be provided with adequate care, support and assistance and to have their rights respected. In fact, everything that guarantees a safe old age. Are your skills and toolbox in order when it comes to the safety of the elderly?

We already know that the dangers of the online world and its scammers can affect anyone. One of the various predisposing factors involved is ageing, which means that not everyone always has the capability to sufficiently understand the dangers of the online world. This can also pose a problem for those who are used to trusting people. Scammers ruthlessly exploit such things.

We should also be more aware that the risks for the elderly can be much more than just the internet. Many things occur in the real world which, if not called out, remain hushed up in shame and hidden in sorrow. Elderly persons, let alone wartime children, are not fazed by minor things, and may not want it to be known that even their own children or grandchildren are abusing, blackmailing, menacing, stealing from or assaulting them, and who knows what else.

Sometimes these distressing matters involving immediate circles come to light and when investigated as crimes, it tends to turn out that various injustices have long been going on. When up against these issues, even experienced police officers are forced to uneasily reflect on the amount of hidden crime and how to detect it all. How can the rights of the ageing and a safe old age be better ensured?

We all need to pay more attention to our own immediate circles; a parent, grandparent, relative, neighbour – someone close. Call them, chat or meet up with them, ask them questions - listen and give them time. Various services for elderly persons should also devote more time and humanity. Good practices for individual wellbeing, service needs and functional capacity, etc. for mapping do exist.

Certainly, the authorities have their statutory responsibilities, but early intervention requires observations and information and bringing these to the attention of the authorities if and when concerns arise. A small tipoff, a social care notification or even a police report can result in the matter being taken further. In urgent cases, the emergency number 112 is the number to call. Something that you are aware of may already be urgent, so consider it a matter of honour to look out for elderly people in your own immediate circle - while you still can.

Read more: Support for the elderly - Police

(Note: The writer is Police Inspector in the Crime Combating of the National Police Board, responsible for a wide range of violent crime prevention and general crime prevention communications.)