Getting old isn't always easy. Living in this day and age where you are prone to many types of crime can be unnerving. Here are a few handy tips to keep in mind that can help prevent crime, and keep you safe!ve to be old to remember these tips.. they work well for people who live alone or are new to living on their own.

1. BE ALERT & ASTUTE: When living alone, it's always important to remember that your doors and windows are always locked. This is common sense but you wouldn't belive the number of people who live alone who do not do that... they feel they live in a community where they are safe, and therefore, they don't "have" to lock your doors and windows. Well, let me tell you-- there is NO SAFE PLACE! Crime can take place ANYWHERE and at ANYTIME. Just because you feel safe doesn't mean you are. Take simple steps like making sure your door and windows are locked will not prevent crime, but it can deter it from happening. For example... let's say that someone decides to break in your house or apartment. If your doors and windows are locked they may think twice about commiting a crime at your residence. If they choose to move forward with it, not only are you making it more difficult if they succeed, but if you are home when it happens you can have time to call 9-1-1 to inform them of what's going on. By keeping your doors and windows locked, if someone should try to break in, and you hear them, you can possibly avoid disasterous consequences by alerting the authorites as to what's happening and that also buys you some time for safety. If this should happen, then having a cell phone in this case of emergancy is priceless.  If you are not at home, and let's say your walking to your car in a parking lot... keep aware of your surroundings. Just knowing what is going on around you can alert you to possible danger.
2. CARRY PEPPER SPRAY OR A SMALL TASER GUN: It may sound silly, but keeping yourself armed when you are alone whether it's in public or in your home can save your life. If someone should decide to attack, having pepper spray or a small taser gun can actually help prevent a horrible crime being done to you if someone should decide to attack. It may even help buy you time to draw attention to the situation by yelling for help. If this should happen, shout "FIRE!" It will draw attention to you and people can see your in danger. You may even be able to get away safely.
3. INVEST IN HOME AND CAR SECURITY: If your finances allow you to, invest in a home and car alarm. There are many reputable devices that can save your life and alert the authorities that your in trouble. It can also deter possible thieves from commiting a crime if there is an audible alarm that draws attention to the area they are trying to break into.
4. NEVER GIVE OUT PERSONAL INFORMATION OR SEND MONEY VIA WIRE TRANSFERS! There are many thieves out there who prey on the elderly... and if ANYONE ever asks you to give money, or giveout personal information such as bank accounts, credit card info, social security card numbers or even your maiden name BE AWARE! And NEVER EVER send money to ANYONE through a wire transfer unless you are 100% positive you know who you are sending the money to. As a general rule, I would personally recommend anyone to NEVER use wire transfers when giving someone money. There are just too many ways you can be taken advantage of when doing so.
5. BE SAVY WITH CURRENT TECHNOLOGY: Use today's technology to have your income direct deposited into your bank account. Social scurity, payroll, retirement pensions, etc can all be electronically and automatically put into your bank account without you ever having to worry about having those checks stolen in the mail or stolen because they were left in your home waiting to be cashed.
6. TRY TO ALWAYS LET SOMEONE KNOW WHERE YOU ARE OR WHERE YOU ARE GOING: If you are going out, always try to let someone (a loved one, a neighbor, or a friend) know where you will be going and when you can be expected home. That way, in the event that something happens to you and your not home when you should be someone can at least be made aware that something has possibly happened.
7. TRY TO KEEP A CELL PHONE WITH YOU: If you are able, having a cell phone with you at all times is recommended. In the case of emergency you can call for help. Most cell phones also have a GPS detection device in them so if you find yourself in trouble you can be tracked and located. This also works well if there is a medical emergency... being able to call for help can mean the differance between life and death. Also, if you do have a cell phone, list an entry in your phonebook labled ICE which means "In Case of Emergency"-- this is a number for someone that can be reached in case there is an emergency with you. Most people list a relative as their "ICE" number.