Older adults are also more likely to be attacked in or near their homes. And older victims are more likely to suffer more serious injuries than younger victims.

Make sure that your locks, as well as your doors and windows are strong and can't easily be broken. Ask your local police department to send an officer to your house and point out ways to make your home safer.

Use a peephole or a window to find out who's at the door. Ask a stranger to give you his or her name and show you an identity card. If you feel uneasy about the stranger, don't open the door.

Engrave each piece with a number—your driver's license number, for instance. Make a list of all your valuables and keep that list in a safe deposit box. Experts also recommend that you take photos of valuables and store them with the list.

If you make regular trips to the bank, make sure you don't go at the same time of day. Vary the time of your visit.

Dressing in a flashy way, or wearing valuable jewelry or fur, can make you a crime target. Store jewelry and fur in a safe place.

Trust your feelings. Older adults are often the targets of scams. You can always check out a deal with the Better Business Bureau. Don't give your credit card number out over the phone to anyone calling to request a donation or sell you a product.

Friends and family have been known to steal from older adults. And family, friends and other caregivers can be guilty of neglect or mistreatment, whether physical, emotional, or financial. That's called elder abuse. You can get help through your local Adult Protective Services agency or Area Agency on Aging, or talk to your clergy, doctor, or lawyer.