By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, Daniel, of 411 Outdoors, shares three essential self-defense tips for seniors. And if they work for seniors, they should work for anyone. So, regardless of age, give the video a watch and help ensure your personal safety.
#1 Awareness of surroundings: This is important at any age but becomes even more so as we age. One of the most important safety tips is to avoid potentially dangerous situations whenever possible.
#2 Don’t underestimate or overestimate your abilities: Daniel says there is such a thing as “old man strength” (or “old woman strength”), and you should have faith in yours. When you underestimate your abilities, you carry yourself as a victim, which can make you a walking target.
Conversely, it is also vitally important to be honest about your limitations and maintain an awareness of them, which leads to his final tip.
#3. Choose your equalizers: These are everyday items you can carry to help level the playing field, should you ever be attacked. It is something to think about, but unfortunately, that is apparently a discussion for another video, as Daniel does not go into detail. Perhaps that is because different people will have different comfort levels with the various “equalizers.”
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RVDT2822
#1 Awareness of surroundings- also called situational awareness. Sadly, we seem to have an entire generation, maybe 1.5 generations who largely lack this survival (and social) skill. Even when their eyes aren’t glued to a screen, they seemingly move with blinders of the sort they put on buggy horses so they don’t get distracted. These people become victims or they create accidents – and fail to understand why these negative events happen.
Thanks Daniel! This is an area I definitely need to work on…I’ve started walking more by myself lately. I appreciate the awareness tips.
Of those three the first, Awareness of Surroundings, is, IMO, the most important. I’m 75, my partially disabled wife is 74. Trouble can find you anywhere at anytime but situational awareness keeps us out of certain areas especially at night.
It definitely is, Rich. When I went to school to get my CHL concealed handgun license that was the first thing they touched on to be aware of your surroundings at all times even when walking look at the people walking towards you and when in a parking lot keep scanning around and if someone is just standing around keep an eye on them, when you walk up to your car if someone is standing near it don’t walk up to it, and don’t walk around with your face in your phone because that’s an open invitation that you’re not paying attention.
We live in a retirement community. I have noticed that some residents are not using their peripheral vision to their detriment. Even in a safe environment one must remain vigilant, even if it’s only to avoid obstacles or someone pushing a cart and passing from behind. Listen as well looking more than narrowly ahead.