Incidence and intensity of postpartum lower abdominal pain.

reports. We found an increased vulnerability to burglary among elderly people. The main factors underlying this phenomenon are social isolation, poor mobility, little use of security equipment, and an overtrusting attitude to callers. Elderly victims report particularly high objective (medical attention, decreased mobility, social disruption) and subjective (psychological burden) markers of stress and illness after burglary. The violation of the home seems to be particularly distressing: the home assumes increased importance with decreasing mobility and reduced social contacts. This problem must be approached in a comprehensive manner by those concerned with health and housing services for elderly people. Doctors and other health care staff should provide identification at the first domiciliary visit and should not encourage such practices as leaving doors open for community health workers. Emphasis on security alone, however, may lead to a siege mentality and further isolation. Preventive measures such as education in schools, reconsideration ofcommunity policing policy, and increased public awareness will also be necessary. A prerequisite is the recognition of burglary and vandalism as important additional environmental hazards for elderly people living in the community.