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Violence and the Elderly
"They have bars on the windows, security alarms, huge fences, and dogs in the yard, just so they can feel safe enough to go to sleep."
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By Donnell Parker
I never thought my grandma would worry about being a victim of the streets.
There have been a lot of shootings in different parts of Richmond - at the gas station, and outside people's houses, including the neighborhood where my grandma lives. My grandma told me that she goes out of her way to the other side of town to pump gas so she won't be scared of getting hurt in any random shootings.
The elderly people around Richmond have their homes locked up like a prison cell. They have bars around the windows, security alarms, huge fences, and dogs in the yard, just so they can feel safe enough to go to sleep.
The fear can also affect elderly people's health. I have a friend whose grandma sees shootings and drug dealers right outside her door. She's in a wheelchair, so she's pretty helpless unless my friend is there to watch over her. He has to bring her food, and take her to the store when she needs groceries.
I always hear old people saying its terrible having to fear people who were once little angels they saw playing in the park. It's not just that they fear young people and want to be protected from them, but they also worry all the time - about their own grandchildren, nieces or nephews being harmed.
They're dealing with a constant ache of seeing their family and community die off.
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