Years ago, I wanted to get involved in the activism end of senior care. I located organizations where my time and expertise could be utilized. Learning about and attending a Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) meeting was eye opening. In this meeting members from local police stations from the county, representatives of the sheriffs office and older adults from the area learned about trending crimes against seniors.

During the meeting the officers explained what is new, what to look for and how to protect oneself. The senior attendants were encouraged to ask questions, share grievances of issues they are witnessing and discuss ways they could help share this information with others. It was refreshing to see this open forum of communication with real up-to-date information that affects senior citizens.

After attending a few more meetings that year, sadly they stopped hosting them. I recently decided to see if the SALT program is still around and what reach it has nationally, if any. There is a national organization (TRIAD/SALT) that supports 800 counties in the United States with active groups. However, with over 3,000 counties in our country, there is much work to be done. Clearly advertisement and sharing the benefits of SALT is needed, in order to educate seniors on crimes effecting them and other safety concerns. Our aging population is vulnerable and organizations such as SALT is a way to provide information and a layer of protection.

There is much more to learn. I will continue to research and share with you my findings.

Blessings,

Sarah DeD