Beatrice Roberts, chairperson of the Leadwood Seniors’ Club in Eastridge, has urged the elderly to take special care at home and when they’re out in public, especially those who live on their own. The 79-year-old community activist offered the following tips to the elderly.

Ask your children or grandchildren to live with you. “Criminals don’t think twice about killing or raping you in your home today. It is good to have people check up on you during the day, but what about in the middle of the night when you are on your own. It is very scary to live alone these days,” she said.

Consider moving into an old age home. “If your children don’t want to live with you or you don’t want to move in with them, rather go to a reliable old age home where it is more secure,” said Ms Roberts.

Join a seniors’ club. “Those of us who are strong enough, should not just sit at home and take care of our grandchildren. We should go out and enjoy the life that we still have to live. Joining a club also means that we get to go on excursions and do activities, which are good for our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. If you’re able to, buy a MyCiTi bus ticket and take a scenic drive to Camps Bay and Hout Bay and enjoy yourself,” Ms Roberts said.

Feed the needy through a locked gate and do not let strangers into your home. “We try our best to help everyone that is in need. When children come to our doors, asking for food, we are kind enough and give them generously. However, the very children you feed are sometimes the ones that break into your home,” she advised.

“Don’t allow just anyone into your home because they inspect your house to see if you have valuables that they can steal to sell and feed their drug habits,” said Ms Roberts.

Try not to go to an ATM or do your shopping on your own. “Old people should not walk alone. Rather go out to the shops with a few others so that if anything happens and a car stops next to you and people want to rob you, you’re not alone”

Hide your money. “When we go out to do shopping, we must ensure that we put our money in a safe place because seniors often get robbed. Do no handle money openly when you’re in public spaces,” she cautioned.

Alert your neighbourhood watch and neighbours. “Exchange contact numbers with one or two neighbours and your neighbourhood watch. With all the break-ins taking place, it is dangerous for seniors to live alone. If anything happens, we can call each other for help,” Ms Roberts said.

Save emergency contact numbers. “Make sure you have contact numbers for the police, ambulance, and fire brigade in case of emergencies,” she added.

Save these numbers:

Contact the following numbers in case of an emergency or to report elderly abuse.

Police: 10111

Ambulance: 10177 or 112 when dialling from a cellphone

Fire and Rescue Services: 107 or 021 480 7700

Metro Police hotline: 0800 323 1310

Provincial Social Development hotline: 0800 220 250

Age-in-Action hotline: 0800 333 231

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