Personal Safety & Security
Safety Tips For The Elderly
Older Americans are more active than ever these days. They're determined to continue to live an active and exciting life for as long as possible. It's widely believed that staying active and interested in the pleasure's life keeps people healthier longer.
With this active lifestyle comes special safety and security needs. Statistically, the American population over 60 years of age is on possession of more than 60% of the national wealth. Seniors have spent their working lives saving to afford a fine quality of life after retirement. Unfortunately, a fact like this doesn't go unnoticed by people who are in the business of crime and deception.
Seniors can sometimes be seen as "easy marks" and too trusting. They can be past the peak of their physical strength, adding to the potential threat from physical assault. Also, as older Americans continue to travel in ever greater numbers, they should learn to adopt a few painless steps to ensure their safety.
* When checking into a hotel, it's advised that you ask about the security that the establishment has in place.
* Take advantage of the excellent hospitality most hotels provide by asking to be shown to your room. Have an employee do a quick security check of your room. Ask about exit doors and fire extinguishers, and ask to be moved to another room if you're not satisfied with the safety provided.
* Consider investing in a portable door alarm or door barricade.
* Use the safekeeping facilities available to you at the hotel. Do not leave valuables in your room.
* When traveling by rail, bus or air, make sure to ask about accessibility and what security measures are in place. Many terminals now take significant precautionary measures to ensure that safe travel will not be uninterrupted, but do not let your guard down.
* Remember, high-pedestrian traffic areas and crowds can be potentially dangerous places. Walk with an obvious sense of purpose and do not linger in milling crowds.
