The Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) of Portugal has reported that during their annual operation, "A Solidariedade Não Tem Idade – A PSP com os idosos," they identified 294 elderly individuals in situations of risk in urban areas. This operation, which took place from July 27 to September 25, aimed to detect vulnerable elderly individuals and provide support. A total of 461 elderly individuals were flagged, and 318 were referred to social support institutions.
The PSP carried out 2,240 individual contacts with the elderly population, resulting in the identification of those in need of assistance. According to Hugo Guinote, head of the PSP's Division of Criminal Prevention and Proximity Policing, the number of flagged individuals remains relatively consistent with previous years. The main concerns for the PSP are the lack of autonomy and absence of a support network among the elderly.
During the operation, the PSP found 139 cases of elderly individuals with a lack of autonomy and 68 cases with an absence of a support network. These numbers highlight the vulnerability of the elderly in urban areas, despite being surrounded by people. Guinote emphasized that the absence of a support network can lead to psychological isolation, even if the individual is not geographically isolated.
The PSP operation, which has been conducted annually since 2012, involves police officers from the Proximity and Victim Support Teams (EPAV). The goal is to detect social fragility, physical or psychological vulnerability, and suspected repeated victims of crimes among the elderly population. This operation demonstrates the PSP's commitment to protecting and supporting vulnerable individuals.
According to Guinote, the operation aims to detect risk indicators as early as possible and provide immediate support through coordinated responses with partner entities. He also noted that there is no direct relationship between the risk faced by elderly individuals who are alone or not, but rather that social isolation can contribute to decreased mental faculties over time, leading to greater vulnerability.
This year's operation involved 370 police officers who conducted 188 awareness actions, reaching 3,883 elderly individuals. In comparison, last year, the PSP flagged 559 elderly individuals, 391 of whom were in situations of risk. The PSP's efforts to support the elderly population are crucial in addressing the challenges they face in urban areas.
The PSP's operation highlights the importance of community support and social connections for the elderly population. By working together with partner entities, the PSP aims to provide comprehensive support to vulnerable individuals and promote their well-being. As the elderly population continues to grow, initiatives like this operation will remain essential in ensuring their safety and security.
Key points
- The PSP identified 294 elderly individuals in situations of risk in urban areas during their annual operation.
- The operation involved 370 police officers and reached 3,883 elderly individuals through awareness actions.
- The PSP's efforts aim to address the challenges faced by the elderly population, including lack of autonomy and absence of a support network.
