Seniors: Personal Safety When You Are Out and About

 You would be surprised at the number of seniors who walk their dogs at night without a second thought about personal safety. Old habits are hard to break. They grew up in a time when thoughts of assault or injury weren’t an issue. You probably think you are safe with your dog, but unless you have a Rottweiler or an Irish Wolf Hound you might not be as safe as you think you are.  Muggings aside, there is still the danger of Fido taking off after a cat and unceremoniously dumping you in the ditch.  Don’t laugh, I’ve had it happen and I still have a scar on my hand to remind me.  Many of my senior friends admit to not even carrying a cell phone with them when they go out.

 

I don’t want you to live in fear and be too frightened to go out alone, but I do think you should use some common sense about your personal safety.  Linda Altoonian in her book “Living Agelessly,” offers some pointers that are worth keeping in mind.

 

Carry a small change purse with only the money and keys that you need in your pocket. If you must have a wallet with you, keep it out of sight in an inside coat or pants pocket.  If you need to carry a purse hold it close to you, preferably in front of your body.

 

Stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings, carry Mace or Pepper Spray and don’t be afraid to use it.  Walk with confidence and consider taking a self defense class.  Use a cane or walking stick.  I wrote an article not long ago on cane fighting and I liked what I learned about that.  Just because you are a senior doesn’t mean that you can’t take care of yourself.  I saw a young lady jogging on one of our many trails one day and she held a dumbbell in each hand.  She was probably doing that to make her workout harder but think what a terrific self defense tool that would be.

 

Plan your route so that you walk on well-lighted busy streets, keep a whistle handy to sound the alarm if needed and let a family member or friend know when you are going out and when you plan to return.  If possible walk with a human buddy rather than going out alone.

 

Driving alone can be scary too.  Keep all of your car doors locked at all times.  If there are suspicious looking people near your car in a parking lot, ask an attendant to accompany you.  Park near an entrance or exit so that you aren’t walking through dark areas.  Always be alert and aware of your surroundings and have your cell phone with you. Again, have a friend or family member go with you if you are running errands at night.

 

These are good measures to keep in mind at any age, but especially if you are a senior.  Use common sense and be in charge of your own personal safety.