Tips for Scam Prevention From tech support scams to grandkid scams, the threat of digital exploitation of senior citizens is increasing daily. June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month and we are revisiting some articles to highlight scam prevention. Learn about different types of scams, and what to do if you’ve been a victim of a scam.
(Note: June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month and all monthlong we will be posting relevant content to help raise awareness.) First, let’s talk about what cryptocurrency is. Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that don’t require verification by financial institutions and can be used to buy goods or services or traded for a profit. There are different types of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ether. Cryptocurrencies can be bought online using your phone or computer or at a special ATM for cryptocurrency.
A Routine Physical In January 2020 I went in for a routine physical. The doctor, after listening to my heart, asked whether I knew that I had a heart murmur. It was news to me. Within a week I had an echocardiogram—a heart ultrasound—which revealed that I had moderate aortic valve stenosis without symptoms. The valve was narrowed by calcium leached from my bones in a process known as arteriosclerosis. In January 2023, I had a second ultrasound. This revealed
Business Impersonator Scams Here’s how Business Impersonator Scams work: You get a call, email, text, or message on social media that looks like it’s from a business you know. It says there’s a problem with your account, or you won a prize. It tells you to call a number or click a link. But the message isn’t really from a familiar business, it’s from a scammer. If you call, they’ll tell you to send payment or give personal information. They’ll
According to a recent AARP study, an estimated $28.3 billion is lost to elder fraud scams each year. The study found that 72% — or more than $20 billion — is taken by individuals who are known to the victims, like family members, friends, or advisers. This blog post will examine 10 of the most common elder fraud scams. Namely, how they work, and what to do if you find yourself or a loved one falling for a scam. Before
Advance health care directive (AHCD) An advance health care directive (AHCD) is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical decisions when you are unable to make those decisions yourself. It serves as a guide for your health care team and loved ones, helping them understand your wishes regarding treatment options and interventions. AHCD gives you control over medical decisions An AHCD gives you a voice in your medical treatment even when you are unable to communicate for yourself, and ensures that
The dictionary defines stalking as the act of willfully and repeatedly following or harassing another person causing the other person to be fearful due to express or implied threats. Stalking is a public health problem that affects millions of people in the United States. Stalking tactics, according to the CDC, include: Unwanted following and watching of the victim Unwanted approaching or showing up in places, such as the victim’s home, workplace, or school Unwanted use of global positioning system (GPS)
The CDC defines social isolation as the lack of relationships with others. It is the feeling of having little to no social support or contact. The CDC defines loneliness as a feeling of being alone or disconnected from others. It occurs when you feel like you don’t belong or if you feel that you don’t have meaningful relationships with others. These feelings can affect people at any stage of life, but seniors are especially vulnerable as they are more likely
What is Pickleball? You’ve probably heard of pickleball, a hot sports trend that became extremely popular during the Covid-19 pandemic. For those unfamiliar with this sport, pickleball is a racket sport played on a small court. The sport can be played as singles, with one person playing against another person, or as doubles, with two teams of two playing one another. What is Pickleball Popular? Pickleball has become especially popular among seniors. Pickleball appeals to older adults for a number
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month Domestic violence is very common and occurs in all communities, across all demographics. There are many different forms of domestic violence. It is important to recognize that domestic violence does not have to include physical abuse, such as hitting someone, or physical injury to constitute domestic violence. Domestic violence is often defined as a pattern of abusive behavior that is used by one person to gain or maintain power and control over another person.
