Older people in Tennessee are increasingly the victims of crime, according to new data from the state Bureau of Investigation. The surge of incidents targeting the elderly comes even as the overall number of crime victims has fallen.
The report looked at crimes statewide over the last three years. The number of elderly victims went up 7 percent in that period, even as the total count dropped 5 percent.
North Nashville retiree Weldon McGilmer says he hasn’t been victimized himself, but a lot of seniors are scared.
“Other than when they have to come out for essential needs, going to the doctor, groceries… they really stay in. They’re not out and active as they used to be here in Nashville, I’ve noticed.”
A TBI official says it’s unclear what’s driving the increase, but in general the elderly might be seen as trusting and less mobile.
Some advocates worry older people are also reluctant to report crimes – either for fear that being seen as vulnerable will cost them some independence, or perhaps, as the report notes, because often the offender is a family member.
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