Why Seniors Are Vulnerable

Like fine wine, I happen to believe that older Americans get better with age. That’s not to say we don’t get new aches and pains every day, but our accumulated knowledge and experience continuously make us better people.

Unfortunately, as we age we also become more susceptible to certain types of scams. There are a number of factors which can contribute to this. Let’s explore a few of them.

One is our trust in people, a virtue frequently instilled in us during our formative years. What’s more, recent studies show that as we grow older, our increasing desire to give back to society and community results in more positive feelings towards our fellow humans. These feelings frequently manifest themselves in the form of trust. In addition, our accumulated life experiences and social capital often make us excellent judges of character. However, intuition is not an exact science and we can be too willing to trust our instincts without seeking more information or clarification. Our trust can be — and far too often is — abused by scammers who pose as friendly faces.

Another factor is technology. While many seniors have embraced computers and smartphones, not all of us are tech-savvy. Scammers often exploit this digital gap to take advantage of us. Even young people today can struggle to keep up with rapidly changing telecommunication and computer systems, and they have typically grown up with the digital age in a way that we did not.

Furthermore, the various forms of cognitive decline that we frequently experience “on the back nine” can make us more vulnerable. The impairment of our memories, executive function, social judgment and emotional regulation can all contribute to this vulnerability, making us more likely to fall for fraudulent or deceptive schemes.  

Simply put, as we age, it can become harder to recognize when someone is lying, manipulating, or exploiting us. 

So, how do we protect our seasoned citizens from the snares of consumer fraud? Education is key. Outreach programs that teach older adults about common scams and how to recognize them can be a lifeline. It’s like giving them a map to navigate the digital wilderness. We’ll outline a few of the more common scams in next week’s “We Got Issues” column.

Legislation plays a vital role too. Stricter regulations on telemarketing practices, email scams, and online advertising can deter scammers and provide a safer environment for older consumers. Additionally, providing easy-to-access resources for reporting scams can help authorities take action against fraudulent actors.

Community support is another essential aspect. Neighbors, friends, and family members should keep an eye out for suspicious activity and help older individuals make informed decisions.

Improving the System

While significant progress has been made in consumer fraud protection, there’s always room for improvement. One way is through technological solutions. Advancements in artificial intelligence can be harnessed to identify potential scams and alert users. 

Moreover, we should promote intergenerational connections. Younger generations can assist older folks in navigating the digital world and spotting red flags. This fosters a sense of community and shared responsibilit

In conclusion, protecting older Americans from consumer fraud is a task that requires the combined efforts of society. While age may bring wisdom, it can also bring vulnerability. Education, legislation, community support, and technological innovations are our allies in this battle. Together, we can ensure that older Americans can enjoy their golden years without the shadow of consumer fraud looming over them.

By Steven Roberts