Joint effort needed to safeguard elderly

They spend most of their lives toiling through the hardships of life – working, providing and protecting. And then come the golden years, when finally they can rest and enjoy the fruits of their labour. In theory, that is how it is meant to play out. However, in Port Elizabeth, the elderly are living in fear as they have become the target of criminals. This week, an elderly couple at the Kragga Kamma Uitspanning Retirement Village was attacked by three men who broke into their room at about 1.30am and ransacked their cottage.

The same retirement village was robbed just two months prior, with a 64-year-old gagged and robbed.

This newspaper reported on a spate of robberies at the Buffelsfontein Retirement Village in Charlo last month where the modus operandi was similar.

Sadly, some of the elderly were assaulted.

The attacks at old age homes and retirement villages has forced some to tighten up security, with managers saying they will not take any chances with the lives of the elderly.

Their response to the incidents, and in some cases, proactive approach must be commended.

Sadly, however, it is a reflection of a society that is increasingly having to find creative ways to protect itself from heartless criminals who have no regard for human life, let alone the most vulnerable.

The community of PE recently rallied together to help with some of the security needs of the elderly at the Buffelsfontein Retirement Village.

That kind of response is what is needed at all old age homes and retirement villages, including those in the northern areas which, too, are under siege.

It needs a collective effort from the police, metro police, security firms, neighbourhood watches, organised business and civil society.

Together they can hopefully come up with a workable plan to help secure the homes around the city.

Maybe then, the elderly can live out their twilight years, as far as possible, in comfort without fearing for their safety.