5 Core Principles of Self-Defense for the Elderly
As sad as it is for me to write this article, we do live in a world where anything can happen, even the bad stuff like elderly people being robbed, assaulted, or threatened. While you’ve probably heard of horror stories of things happening to people around the world, the truth is that it can happen anywhere, even if it’s a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
However, that doesn’t mean you need to feel scared or threatened. Instead, today we’re going to explore five core ways you can protect and defend yourself, even as an older person, ensuring another layer is added to how safe you can be.
- Keep Fit and Healthy
As you grow older, it’s only natural that your body gets weaker and more fragile, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be proactive in staying fit and healthy. Whether you’re going to the gym, practicing yoga at home, going for walks every day, and making sure you eat and sleep well, these are all things that are going to help you stay physically fit and healthy.
- Don’t Be a Target
The most common way to find yourself becoming threatened is to draw unwanted attention to yourself. For example, if you’re driving a flashy car and you’re waving the keys away in the open air, then people are going to notice, and someone might want to take it for themselves. Be subtle and discrete with everything you do. Blend into the background.
3. Get a Weapon
Now, I’m not recommending you go out and buy a gun just for the sake of it. Gun accidents can be frequent if you don’t know what you’re doing, but if you feel as though you’ll feel safer and you live in an area where there are serious threats, then this might be something you need to do.
Before buying a gun and carrying it around with you, make sure you’re taking the time to go on a course to learn how to use it properly and are licensed to carry it around with you. Here you can find an LTC course you can take at your own pace. Carrying pepper spray can also be a practical option.
4. Preserve Yourself
If you do find yourself in an intense situation, then you’ll want to start thinking about preserving yourself more than anything. If you have money or a purse or a mobile phone that someone is asking for and threatening you with, then make sure you’re handing it over. If you’re lying or holding back, you’re only going to increase the risk of danger.
5. Get Help
If you find yourself in a bad situation, the best thing you can do is get help. Whether you’re activating a personal alarm, shouting for help, or screaming, drawing attention to yourself and hopefully attracting others will be the best way forward. However, you should try to avoid these situations completely. For example, only traveling in public areas and so on.
Summary
As you can see, there are plenty of ways you can protect yourself while you’re out in the world, and it’s all about figuring out what works for you and what options are available in your own personal circumstances. Stay safe and keep your wits about you. You’ve got this!