Using this as a basis for predicting elderly victimization, researchers have concluded that elderly persons are vulnerable if they venture outside their homes. Yin (1985) reports that the elderly often are victims of predatory street crime. However, the most routine activity of the elderly is to isolate themselves in their homes, making them less vulnerable and accounting for their low victimization rates. To test hypotheses generated by routine activities theory, an analysis was conducted of 9,642 homicide victimizations perpetrated in Canada between 1961 and 1983. Findings confirm some and reject other hypotheses based on the theory. The elderly were victims of homicide in direct proportion to their number in the population. As predicted, the elderly victim is typically killed in the home by a family member or acquaintance. However, close to 40 percent were killed during the course of a theft perpetrated by strangers. The proportion of individuals killed by strangers during crimes was much higher for the elderly than for any other age group. Further, beating was the most common cause of death. Results suggest that, for the elderly, the safety of the home is offset by their greater vulnerability to attack during a crime and their greater difficulty in recovering from injuries. 3 tables, 3 notes, and 36 references. (Author abstract modified)