Staying one step ahead of your children has undoubtedly presented a number of challenges. Similarly, staying ahead of those who wish to prey on the elderly is a big job.

For many people, as they age, they become more gregarious and trusting; they want to help everyone and leave behind a legacy of caring and thoughtfulness. That's fine, as long as it doesn't involve being victimized.

The nightly news often has a segment devoted to some new scheme to make money or that preys on some element of society, and watch for notices at the senior center. Your local and even throwaway newspapers usually have a story about someone in the community being victimized recently or door-to-door schemes being reported. Larger schemes such as financial scams are usually well covered in business magazines and on national news programs. Sometimes, even those chain-letter e-mails may alert you to something you need to consider.

Remind your parents and in-laws to stop and think carefully before making promises and spending large sums of money. Encourage them not to open the door to strangers and screen phone calls if necessary to avoid telephone scams. Remind them if it seems too good to be true, it is. Sign them up for the Do Not Call Registry so they will be alert to the fact that any unsolicited phone calls could be a possible scam.