Senior Center

Senior

self defense

After 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. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

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.

Self-Defense and Safety Tips for Seniors

Most self-defense professionals urge people to avoid needing to defend themselves by avoiding situations which may promote crime.

Wearing flashy jewelry, carrying expensive handbags or briefcases, or counting cash at an ATM may be all the motivation a criminal needs to target you.

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. Avoid Physical Altercations

The best self-defense is to avoid physical altercations altogether. Use de-escalation techniques to turn a situation around before it gets physical. Commanding words, spoken loudly, can make a wouldbe criminal rethink their plan. Remember, most criminals want an easy target and seek meek victims who will not put up much of a fuss.

Avoid Escalation

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 least you didn’t wind up in an ambulance.

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.