The association between age and victimization is tied to lifestyle. Discuss the different reasons why younger people are more likely to be victims of violent crime, and the elderly are more likely to be victims of crime such as fraud.

 

Age and Lifestyle-Related Criminal Victimization

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Institution

 

Author’s not

 

Age and Lifestyle-Related Criminal Victimization

It can be hard to understand why one is more prone to criminal victimization than say the person who is walking behind them. Crimes are indeed random although lifestyle and age-related factors influence the likelihood of one being a victim of crime. For instance, younger people are more likely victims of violent crimes while the elderly are more prone to scams and consumer fraud crimes. Through risk assessment, Bunch, Clay-Warner & Lei (2015), identify social activities and the economic status as some of the five lifestyle factors which contribute to opportunities and likelihood of victimization.

One of the reasons young people are subject to violent crimes is their naivety. For one, the age of the smartphones leaves teenagers and young adults walking around glued to screens. They are less aware of their surroundings. Hence, they cannot actively avoid dangerous situations which put them at a higher risk for mugging, rape and even murder. Also, they want to dress flashy and show off their possessions. A robber will take it that they have enough and probably won’t miss the few items they forcefully take from them.

The elderly, on the other hand, are more of fraudulent crimes victims. It is well known that the older adults hold vast wealth in the country due to retirement benefits. However, James, Boyle, & Bennett (2014), assume that seniors fall prey to the scams because they are commonly perceived as cognitively vulnerable, naively trusting, socially isolated, sedentary and uninterested about financial issues which they sometimes are.

Lifestyle choices play a huge role in how one perceives society. Younger people who remain aware of their surroundings and who use common sense in most environments are less vulnerable to violent crimes. Meanwhile seniors who stay informed, educated and active are less likely to fall prey to fraudulent crimes.

 

References

Bunch, J., Clay-Warner, J., & Lei, M. K. (2015). Demographic characteristics and victimization risk: Testing the mediating effects of routine activities. Crime & Delinquency, 61(9), 1181-1205.

James, B. D., Boyle, P. A., & Bennett, D. A. (2014). Correlates of susceptibility to scams in older adults without dementia. Journal of elder abuse & neglect, 26(2), 107-122.