Senior citizen self defense strategies
- Thread starter taliovelez
- Start date
outlander
Member
- Location
- southern Arizona
In my humble opinion the best option for senior self defense is staying mobile and agile. Being aware of your surroundings and running before something bad happens to you will result in the best outcome. If you are physically compromised then carry a firearm and know how to use it.
I have had some martial arts and self defense training experience. Sad to say I have also experienced threats to my safety more than once. Self defense training is good to have, just know it never happens like they show you in a self defense video or how Hollywood portrays it. Violent threats are chaotic, unpredictable and don't usually go the way you expect. Unless you have the skills of Bruce Lee, no amount of training is guaranteed to save your bacon. That being said some training is better than nothing. But the focus should be more on situational awareness and exit strategy.
I don't know why it's glorified, violence is ugly and traumatic.
I have had some martial arts and self defense training experience. Sad to say I have also experienced threats to my safety more than once. Self defense training is good to have, just know it never happens like they show you in a self defense video or how Hollywood portrays it. Violent threats are chaotic, unpredictable and don't usually go the way you expect. Unless you have the skills of Bruce Lee, no amount of training is guaranteed to save your bacon. That being said some training is better than nothing. But the focus should be more on situational awareness and exit strategy.
I don't know why it's glorified, violence is ugly and traumatic.
taliovelez
NYP to WUS
Interesting analysis of a one on one situation. In many juristictions from firearms to pepper spray is illegal to use much less possess.
I percieve a violent threat the same as a threat of violence and the supposed victim has been advised to scream as loud as possible while eluding their potential attacker. If the victim is actually being assaulted the skillset taught by these trainers both professional and amateur may save a life and/or lessen physical harm by their attacker.
I do agree with your analogy about violence being glorified on the screen, written word or in the head however in Ciudad Juarez Mexico all of what you and I parry about situational awareness is academic especially in crowded areas. This from a 32 year retired NdM detective. Take care and welcome to "Senior Forums"
I percieve a violent threat the same as a threat of violence and the supposed victim has been advised to scream as loud as possible while eluding their potential attacker. If the victim is actually being assaulted the skillset taught by these trainers both professional and amateur may save a life and/or lessen physical harm by their attacker.
I do agree with your analogy about violence being glorified on the screen, written word or in the head however in Ciudad Juarez Mexico all of what you and I parry about situational awareness is academic especially in crowded areas. This from a 32 year retired NdM detective. Take care and welcome to "Senior Forums"
Wombat
New Member
- Location
- Wollongong, NSW
Surely seniors are statistically the least likely people to be attacked by anyone? I can't say I have ever felt unsafe anywhere since I retired.
DaveA
Senior Member
- Location
- Coastal Massachusetts, USA
Never been assaulted and I worked a good part of my life on highway and bridge construction. Not a soft office type crowd.
As far as staying in shape, etc., Sounds good up through "maybe" your early 70's but beyond that - - -good luck. And as far as carrying a gun (although I own a couple) good luck. At 91 I'd just as likely shoot myself in the foot or put a slug through the windshield of a car 3 blocks away.
As far as staying in shape, etc., Sounds good up through "maybe" your early 70's but beyond that - - -good luck. And as far as carrying a gun (although I own a couple) good luck. At 91 I'd just as likely shoot myself in the foot or put a slug through the windshield of a car 3 blocks away.
Aunt Bea
SF VIP
- Location
- Near Mount Pilot
My best defense is staying home.
When I’m out I try to be aware of my surroundings, mind my own business, do my best to be invisible, and if all else fails act a bit crazy.
Bad guys seem to be intimidated by crazy old people.
When I’m out I try to be aware of my surroundings, mind my own business, do my best to be invisible, and if all else fails act a bit crazy.
Bad guys seem to be intimidated by crazy old people.
Doste
Member
- Location
- The west of England
The actual danger is lower, the perceived danger is higher, I've heard. The people at most danger of physical attack are younger, the ones who fear it are older, possibly because they don't think they could defend themselves.