LETTER FROM SENIORS VIII MAYOR | 2021 VIII | 2021THE
Senior self defense A
fter hosting our first Senior Self-Defense & Safety program at the senior center, our seniors wanted more, and now we’re partnering with Lake Worth Police Department to give them just that! The LWPD will be doing a presentation on Tuesday, October 19th at 10:30 a.m. to discuss the S.A.F.E program (Situational Awareness for Everyone).
This class emphasizes “The best fight that you will ever win is the one you never have to get into.” The class will help seniors learn how to be aware of their surroundings, identify potential threats, and be prepared to remain calm and take the safest course of action.
Self-Defense and Safety Tips for Seniors
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
least you didn’t wind up in an ambulance.
Staying aware of your surroundings is particularly important as your vision, perception, and hearing decline. Get into the habit of frequently scanning your surroundings, which will help avoid trouble.
Avoid Physical Altercations
The best self-defense is to avoid physical altercations altogether. Most self-defense professionals urge Use de-escalation techniques to people to avoid needing to defend turn a situation around before it themselves by avoiding situations gets physical. Commanding words, which may promote crime. spoken loudly, can make a wouldbe criminal rethink their plan. Wearing flashy jewelry, carrying Remember, most criminals want an expensive handbags or briefcases, easy target and seek meek victims or counting cash at an ATM may be who will not put up much of a fuss. all the motivation a criminal needs to target you. Avoid Escalation
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Walk with purpose, with your head up and eyes scanning your surroundings.
It’s more likely that you will be targeted as a victim if you walk in a pensive, frightened way as this makes you appear weak and vulnerable. Instead, stride with purpose and exude confidence.
If an attacker is determined to take your purse or wallet, let them take it. Resisting means you have to engage in a fight, and you can’t know what the attacker is willing to do. If you’re met with a menacing, “Give me your wallet” from a knife-wielding man, throw the wallet away from you and get away as fast as you can. While you may lose some cash and have to put a freeze on your credit cards, at LAKE WORTH DIRECTORY
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Get Away and Get Help
During any altercation, your goal should be to get away; it isn’t to teach the attacker a lesson or hold him in place until police arrive. Self-preservation is of the utmost importance, so if your attacker is doubled over rubbing his injured eyes, this isn’t the time to deliver a swift kick to the groin. Instead, it’s the opportunity to get away as fast as you can, keeping in mind the attacker may pursue you (or may have buddies nearby waiting to pursue you), so situational awareness is vital here while you flee.
Take a Self-Defense Class
There are many options for selfdefense classes. It’s not only a good way to build your knowledge but also great exercise.
Not a Victim
There is one important psychological factor to remember regarding self-defense. Learning about self-defense for seniors is not because you are old and feeble; you are strengthening yourself and becoming more prepared.
