{"id":4699,"date":"2022-10-20T18:37:19","date_gmt":"2022-10-20T22:37:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onlineseniorcenter.com\/?p=4699"},"modified":"2022-10-30T10:17:29","modified_gmt":"2022-10-30T14:17:29","slug":"self-defense-for-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onlineseniorcenter.com\/guides\/self-defense-for-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"Self Defense For Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Self-defense for seniors does not necessarily require intense training like martial arts or Taekwondo, though, learning them to defend yourself could help. After all, everyone deserves to feel safe and secure whenever they leave their home or just walking down the street. For seniors that live alone, being aware of their surroundings and knowing how to protect themselves is essential in today\u2019s society. This is especially helpful as seniors age. As older adults get older, their response time may not be as sharp. Unfortunately, some seniors do fall prey to acts of crimes. Many seniors tend to walk slower and can be vulnerable to attacks by criminals. In fact, a report from the CDC states that the rate of nonfatal assaults to both men and women over 60 continues to rise each year, with burglary and theft as the highest crimes against seniors.  Seniors are not as susceptible to actual violent crimes, however, elder abuse from either a family member or even a caregiver does happen. It is also estimated that 1 in 10 older adults have experienced some form of elder abuse<\/a>. And the biggest targets are those who have degenerative diseases or cognitive disabilities<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basic Techniques to Protect Yourself<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Avoid Escalation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If someone is really determined to take your possessions, just let them. It is better to not escalate a situation, causing you to possibly get hurt, than to just throw down your purse or wallet and run. Especially if they are holding a knife. It would be better to lose some cash and freeze your accounts than end up in an ambulance. Resisting can cause an unnecessary fight, and more danger to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Be aware of your Surroundings<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Some older adults are not as alert <\/a>to people or objects in their way or around them when they leave their home. As seniors age, their reaction time may be slower; they may also experience changes in the vision or hearing. Seniors who do run errands or shop by themselves should always watch who is near or behind them as they are coming out of stores or approaching their car after shopping. The best thing to do is scan your surroundings. This can help avoid getting in trouble while also keeping you safe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Leave and Get Help<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The goal here is to get away, fast. Teaching an attacker who\u2019s boss doesn\u2019t solve anything and may make things worse. Self-preservation is the key. Find an opportunity to get away as quick as possible; such as distracting him by pointing in one direction, then running (if you can) the other way. Once safe and out of harm\u2019s way, track down or call the police. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Use a Weapon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Never forget, almost anything can be used as a weapon. For seniors this is important to know. You can conflict pain to an attacker, leaving you enough time to get away. Even if it is just a small jab in the stomach, seniors will leave the person on the ground and in pain. Or throwing ars keys into their eyes, causing them to become unfocused on you and more on themselves. Seniors could also carry around some mace or pepper spray in their purse to be used in case of an unexpected attack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is a small list of possible items to use as weapons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n