Threat by violence and crime in old age

The threat by violence and crime in old age is discussed from a gerontological point of view. The seemingly paradoxical result that older persons show significantly higher fear of crime than younger ones despite their much lower objective risk of criminal victimization proves to be empirically untenable - especially if fear of crime is differentiatedly assessed. The more pronounced caution In old age is determined less by an increased fear of crime but by an adequate awareness of increased vulnerability in old age. Risk-avoidant behavior in public accompanied by a general tendency of social withdrawal, however, also increases the risk of victimization in close social relationships, especially in the context of conflicts between generations. Perspectives for empirical research on threat by violence and crime in old age are discussed fron a developmental and gerontological point of view.