subject: Safety Tips For Seniors [print this page] As you get older, there is no reason to fear for your personal safety.Statistics actually show that seniors are at a low risk for crimes such as robbery or assault.However, because the possibility is there, many seniors harbor a greater fear than is really necessary.
Instead of living in fear, a senior citizen can keep their mind and body alert and prepared for any possibility through martial arts training or by taking steps to learn self defense.Seniors have many options to learn self defense.Through local classes or even through a DVD program, one can gain knowledgeand we all know that knowledge and power.
It needs to be stated that self defense does not have to include martial arts training.To learn self defense incorporates more than learning how to physically protect yourself.Self defense includes how to watch your surroundings and how to engage a would-be criminal in a way that confuses them and sends them in the opposite direction.Martial arts training, while great exercise, will not cover all the mental aspects of self defense.
To find out if there is a self defense class in your community, you can contact your local police station or senior center.You can also hit the internet to search for self defense classes in your city or town.Just type in self defense and your city name.
Learning self defense and techniques to protect yourself is not done because you are weak and feeble; it is because its the best way to thwart any possible crime or attack.A bad guy chooses victims that they think will not be able to put up much of a fight.Imagine the surprise when they get a senior who will put up quite the fight!
Here are some general tips for staying safe when outside the home:
Carry a fanny pack or travel purse that is hidden inside clothing.This eliminates purse snatching.
Always park in well-lit, high traffic areas.The more people that are around, the less chance of crime.
Keep keys in your hand, finger through the loop, as you walk to your car.This way you are not trying to find them.They can also be used as a weapon if someone attempts to rob you.
Carry pepper spray. Pepper spray is a great weapon because it shoots spray several feet.This way you can ward off an attacker without getting close to them.
If someone does grab you, do not pull away.Instead, push into them to throw them off balance.This may be enough to get them to loosen their grip and then you can run away.
If someone comes at you directly, move aside.Do not let them back you against a wall.Keep your face directed at them and call for help.Use your pepper spray!
Carry a whistle around your neck.Blow it to call attention to yourself if you feel you are in danger.
Also, always remember to look through the peep hole when you are at home.There are new peep holes on the market now that can be professionally installed in your home.Using this new type of peep hole, you can see who is at your door from several feet away.
