Trends in elderly victimization are analyzed for the years 1973-1984. Criminal victimization rates are declining for all types of crime, including those committed against the elderly. The elderly experienced greater declines over time than the general population. Crimes involving a combination of personal contact and economic motivation declined faster than other crimes committed against the elderly. It is possible that the observed declines may be attributable more to changes in the demographic structure of the American population than to public policy.
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