Healthy Aging

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Safety and Abuse

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• Additional Resources

Older adults are at a higher risk of certain safety hazards. Protecting yourself is an important part of healthy aging. Read on to learn more about crime, elder abuse prevention, being safe on the road, and how to be prepared for an emergency.

• Crime
• Driving Safety
• Elder Abuse
• Emergency Readiness

Additional Resources

Publications

1.   Age Page: Beware of Health Scams — This publication covers issues of fraudulent health care schemes and treatments, how older people may fall prey to "quacks," and how to protect yourself from health scams.

   http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/quackery.htm

2.   Older Adult Drivers: Fact Sheet — This fact sheet discusses the occurrence, risk factors, and consequences some older adults face when driving.

   http://www.cdc.gov/MotorVehicleSafety/Older_Adult_Drivers/adult-drivers_factsheet.html...

3.   What Is Elder Abuse? — This publication gives information on the prevalence of elder abuse, what types of abuse are common, and what the Administration on Aging is doing to combat this problem.

   http://www.aoa.gov/AoAroot/AoA_Programs/Elder_Rights/EA_Prevention/whatIsEA.aspx

4. Are You Being Abused? (Copyright © American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) — This simple true-false quiz helps victims and those who care about them identify the signs of abuse. It encourages victims to seek assistance and gives phone numbers to call for help.

   http://www.acog.org/departments/dept_notice.cfm?recno=17&bulletin=198

5. Drivers 55 Plus: Self-Rating Form (Copyright © AAA Foundation) — This questionnaire helps older adults locate areas in which physical and mental abilities call for a change in driving habits and skills.

   http://www.aaafoundation.org/quizzes/index.cfm?button=driver55

6. Emergency Preparedness Tips for Older Adults (Copyright © The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging) — If you are an older adult, this publication details the three important steps that can help you prepare for emergency situations: Create an emergency plan, stock an emergency medical kit, and assemble a disaster supplies kit.

   http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/emergency_tips.php

Organizations

1.   Department of Homeland Security, National Disaster Medical System Section
2.   National Center on Elder Abuse, AOA, HHS
3.   National Institute on Aging, NIH, HHS
4. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety — Senior Driver Website
5. National Center for Victims of Crime
6. National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated August 12, 2010.