After Attacks, Some Seniors Worry for Safety

The recent robberies targeting the elderly have caused some concern among the county's senior population, officials said, but the incident shouldn't dissuade seniors from living active lives.

Police say Henry Levi Sanders in Wheaton over the weekend, and Carol Fuentevilla, director of the Wheaton-based Holiday Park Senior Center, said the attacks have affected her clientele.

"Some seniors have spoken up about being nervous about going out alone," she said. "When there are news reports of a hijacking or house break-ins or scams that happen to seniors, it almost increases their fear factor and it impacts even the decisions people make about leaving their homes and being active."

Judy Stiles, spokeswoman for the Montgomery County Department of Recreation, said the Wheaton incidents were especially concerning because the victims were in a public place during daylight hours.

"We couldn't advise them to do anything differently," she said. "It's a little bit unnerving to think you’re in a well-attended shopping center on a Sunday afternoon and you’re not safe."

The county's senior-specific website has safety tips for the elderly, advising seniors to park in well-lit areas, avoid carrying large amounts of cash and be careful not to overburden themselves with packages. Montgomery County Police also recently released a  for the season.

Fuentevilla said that while alarming incidents may sometimes occur, it's important for seniors to lead active lifestyles and not shut themselves in. Seniors who are feeling anxious about their safety should stop by senior centers and talk it out with others, she said, not just stew at home.

"I think people quickly realize that conversation and socialization can put things in perspective, even when there’s really dangerous stuff out there," she said. "I can't stop the worry, and I can't stop the things that happen, but sometimes we can help people be at ease."

Holiday Park is the largest senior center in Montgomery County, Fuentevilla said, and offers ongoing classes, lectures and wellness programs, in addition to the chance for seniors to get out of the house and mingle with one another.

"Hopefully, those things make them feel less isolated," she said.