Art of Aging: Legal rights

In this week's art of aging, Lisa Thomas-Laury has some tips on protecting yourself as you age.

From financial scams to elder abuse to housing issues, seniors can face a host of legal challenges, but there is help out there and it's free.

Any Pennsylvanian 60 or older and regardless of income, qualifies for this help," said Karen Buck, Executive Director of the Senior Law Center.

The Senior Law Center in Philadelphia was founded in 1978 to protect the legal rights of older Pennsylvanians.

The Center has a toll free statewide legal helpline staffed with experts who offer advice on a breadth of issues such as Power of Attorney, Housing, Taxes, and Financial Exploitation.

"Financial exploitation is a national crisis because Elder financial exploitation costs older Americans over $2.9 billion a year," said Buck.

She says the best way for older adults to protect themselves is to stay involved in their finances and keep an eye on bank statements to ensure no third party is dipping into your account.

If you are being taken advantage of, The Senior Law Center can counsel you on the steps you need to take.

"We want them to know that they are not alone and there are resources," added Buck.

For more information, call the Senior Law Center Helpline at 1.877.727.7529.

The state of Pennsylvania also has an elder abuse hotline. And, you can reach out to your area agency on aging.