| Today, crime is rampant in our society. | | | | night or in the evening. This person can be a |
| Unfortunately, many seniors fall victims to | | | | younger friend or relative. The point is to never |
| attackers on the street primarily because they | | | | be out on your own after the sun sets. |
| cannot defend themselves. Also, many seniors live | | | | • If you have to do your own chores and |
| alone and cannot protect themselves against | | | | work, then try to finish them during the day |
| potential burglars and attackers. So, if you are a | | | | instead of putting them off until night. If you have |
| senior citizen, there are certain steps you can | | | | to finish some work in the evening, then ask a |
| take to keep yourself safe. | | | | friend or relative to accompany you. |
| Here are some basic tips on self defense for | | | | • Keep a self defense weapon on your |
| senior citizens that will go a long way in protecting | | | | person at all times when venturing out of home. |
| you: | | | | This weapon can be a mace or a stun gun. In |
| • When you are walking on the street, try to | | | | case you are uncomfortable with a self defense |
| maintain a confident posture. Your body language | | | | weapon, then keep a self defense alarm. This will |
| should be such that it shows the outside world | | | | frighten the attacker while alerting people on the |
| that you are not afraid to fight if necessary. While | | | | street who will rush to help you. |
| this may not be easy, but you will be amazed | | | | • If you are living in a neighborhood that is |
| how a little bit of confidence and being | | | | prone to crime, then it might be useful to join a |
| self-assured can get people to treat you | | | | self defense class for seniors. There are many |
| differently. Remember, attackers and muggers | | | | senior centers that offer these classes and you |
| are always looking for a weak target and you do | | | | should check them out. They will teach simple but |
| not want them to think you are weak. | | | | effective move to protect yourself in case of an |
| • Always make it a point to get someone to | | | | attack. |
| walk you home if you intend doing so late in the | | | | |