Felony assaults targeting older New Yorkers have alarmingly increased, with reports indicating that such crimes have doubled since 2019.
In the current year, the NYPD has documented 1,228 felony assaults against individuals aged 65 and older, a stark contrast to only 608 incidents reported prior to 2019.
While assaults have slightly declined across NYC—down 0.3%—attacks on the elderly remain deeply concerning.
Some adult children are going to the extent of hiring aides to ensure their elderly loved ones are protected from becoming victims in the city. A retired principal, living in the Upper West Side, revealed that he has employed someone to accompany his 87-year-old mother while his son takes walks.
“Once you hit 88, you start to see the world differently. You realize you have to shield yourself from danger in ways that younger folks might not consider,” the 87-year-old shared. “They don’t face the same vulnerabilities as we do.”
This spike in violence ranges from random beatings to more shocking incidents. Some particularly alarming examples include:
- A 66-year-old woman who was struck on the head by a stranger swinging a golf club during an unprovoked subway attack on January 25, resulting in a head injury.
- An 86-year-old woman who was violently pushed into a pole in a random attack near Morton Williams grocery store on March 23, leading to broken teeth.
- A 67-year-old man who was slashed in the head by an attacker wielding a large knife while on the subway in Brooklyn on March 15, with the suspect apprehended shortly thereafter.
- A 72-year-old woman randomly kicked down the stairs at a subway station in Queens on March 1, suffering serious injuries.
The NYPD has arrested suspects in 962 of the 1,228 attacks on seniors reported this year, and notably, many had prior arrests.
A spokesperson highlighted the need for a cohesive response from the entire criminal justice system to tackle these issues effectively.
“While the NYPD has taken decisive action against those preying on vulnerable seniors, all parts of the justice system must come together to break the cycle of repeat offenses,” the spokesperson stated. “We need to ensure safety for all New Yorkers, irrespective of age.”
Krishna Gajewska, a 66-year-old caregiver from Poland, noted their heightened vigilance. “We don’t go out at night. We’re home,” she emphasized.
There’s a clear demand for increased police presence, particularly in vulnerable areas.
“I prefer walking around, keeping an eye on things,” Krishna remarked, acknowledging the presence of mental health issues and homelessness impacting safety.
Paul Trahan, an 86-year-old from the Upper West Side, echoed similar sentiments, prioritizing staying indoors after dark.
“I’ve made it a point to stay home at night,” he advised.
Meanwhile, Gloria Wiggins, 80, from the Bronx, expressed her cautious approach: “My neck hurts from always turning my head and looking around.”
George Timco, 77, a resident of Riverdale, shared his feelings of unease over the increase in elder attacks but maintains his everyday routine. “I’ve lived here most of my life… I’m not about to change my lifestyle because of this,” he stated.
An expert in policing suggested initiating a public awareness campaign focusing on the vulnerabilities of older individuals.
“We can’t ignore that a 100% rise in assaults is a pressing issue that needs attention,” said Chris Herman, a former NYPD criminologist, now a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
“I don’t live in fear; I’m not staying inside all the time, but it’s crucial to be aware and watch out for one another,” he added.
