August 15, 2003

Safety for seniors

Seniors from the local community gathered at the MGH Aug. 11 for some important lessons in safety at the Senior HealthWISE seminar "Safety in a Changing World."

Guest speaker John Driscoll of MGH Police and Security spoke about ways individuals can protect themselves in different environments - home or traveling - and the tools needed. He also discussed how the MGH Police and Security staff help reduce the opportunity for crimes at the hospital by limiting access to marketable items, securing the environment and educating employees to be more aware of their surroundings. These same ideas can be used by seniors or anyone else, Driscoll said. He also advised seniors to project confidence while walking, to carry a whistle to call for help and to check travel advisories before planning trips.

Driscoll giving safety lecture.

"Trust your instincts," Driscoll told the audience. "Whether you are at home, out in the neighborhood or traveling in an unfamiliar area, if something does not feel right, it probably isn't."

For more information about the Senior HealthWISE program, call (617) 724-6756.