Witnesses included experts in criminal justice and crime prevention, government officials, and elderly victims of crime. Discussion pointed out that physical aging does not negate a citizen's right to enjoy life and participate in the community. Crime affects over one-third of the elderly, causing them to live in fear, and elderly victims do not recover from crime as easily as younger people. Contributing factors are greater physical vulnerability and social isolation. The elderly frequently live near high crime areas. Older citizens seek stricter law enforcement, stronger punishment, and longer sentences for offenders. An effective preventative measure is the Neighborhood Watch program. Witnesses evaluated some of the related legislative proposals pending in Congress. The appendix includes four statements and two letters from persons concerned with the issue.