MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — Dozens of seniors took part in the Monroe County Area Agency on Aging's Elder Justice Day at the Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Pocono in East Stroudsburg.
"Even though we are older, there is always something to learn. Learning should never end just because you're out of school," said Barbara Lake from Stroudsburg.
This year's Elder Justice Day focuses on emotional health and self-care.
"There are more and more cases of neglect, self-neglect, caregiver neglect. Those cases are on the rise, so it's important for everyone to know what to do and how to stay safe," said Mary Claire Megargle, director of the Monroe County Agency on Aging.
Scams are another important topic of discussion at the event. The Monroe County district attorney's office says scammers often target older people.
"You need to be careful with your money and who you are dealing with because there is so much anonymity online, and that's what we want to get through to people: Be careful with your personal information," said Det. Craig VanLouvender from the Monroe County DA's office.
Detectives say families should keep an eye on their loved ones and report any suspicious activity.
Some seniors tell Newswatch 16 they do their best to stay alert for potential scams.
"I never return a phone call from a number I don't know, and then I block it. If it's someone who needs to get in touch with me, they will get in touch with me somehow because everything is out there."
Elder Justice Day also connected seniors with other resources throughout the county that are available to them.