Policy Responses to Problems Faced by Elderly in Public Housing (From Abuse and Maltreatment of the Elderly, P 251-262, 1983, Jordan I Kosberg, ed. - See NCJ-91500)

• NCJ Number: 92590
• Author(s): L A Curtis; I R Kohn
• Date Published: 1983
• Length: 12 pages
• Sale Source: US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A wide discrepancy exists between the elderly's fear of crime and actual victimization. However, programs such as community crime prevention efforts, age-segregated buildings, and environmental design techniques have reduced this fear to reasonable levels.

Abstract

The elderly have a magnified fear of crime not only because of their increased vulnerability, but also because they are more likely to discuss crime than younger persons, have fewer friends for social supports, and are often less involved in their neighborhoods. To address this problem, the Senior Citizen Action Network (SCAN) in New York City developed tenant patrols, block watch programs, escort services, home security programs, and victim services. SCAN and other similar projects have demonstrated the importance of involving senior citizens as leaders and workers, not just as recipients of services, in a community crime prevention effort. Studies suggest elderly residents of public projects may prefer age-segregated housing, which offers a more secure environment and reduces some of the social isolation often associated with public housing. Other forms of environmental design that can improve security and reduce fear of crime among the elderly are door locks and security screens, separate lobby entrances for visitors, and formal and natural surveillance. The paper provides 17 references.