testtest

Getting Older And Self Defense

1canvas

1canvas

Operator
As I started getting older and physical issues started to present themselves, I find it difficult to strategize for different self defense scenarios. At 70 I am a big fan of pepper spray, but it’s not an end all solution, especially in the wind. With my right hand at 30% function (osteoarthritis) and my left at 80% (for now) I suite feel pretty vulnerable. This is a far cry from decades of martial arts when I was younger and weight training.
That has me wondering, what are some of the older people here dealing with and their strategies?
 
Hi,

I am approaching 70 but fighting my age tooth and nail. I'm doing my best to take care of myself, exercise and diet. For me, mostly it's common sense, situational awareness, and avoidance. I stay away from stupid people doing stupid things at stupid times in stupid places. I may take a class soon for senior self defense, how to temporarily incapacitate someone long enough to get away, a knee, a groin, an eye, etc. A quick and brutal strike may be my only chance. Let's be careful of there.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
 
i have had 4 major back surgeries and as a result, i cannot run, jump over a fence, or fight fist to cuffs.

i got into the shooting sport at the very beginning of 2020, and from there, into self defensive shooting practice, and of course my ccw

i wanted "some self help" in any event of a mugging, or home break-in.

i too also have "some arthritis" in my knees which exacerbates any running for cover, and "some" arthritis in my non-shooting hand.

but in all fairness, yes we older people have issues for self defense, but let's face it, many younger people have health issues as well, and want protection(s).
 
Old_Me said:
i have had 4 major back surgeries and as a result, i cannot run, jump over a fence, or fight fist to cuffs.

i got into the shooting sport at the very beginning of 2020, and from there, into self defensive shooting practice, and of course my ccw

i wanted "some self help" in any event of a mugging, or home break-in.

i too also have "some arthritis" in my knees which exacerbates any running for cover, and "some" arthritis in my non-shooting hand.

but in all fairness, yes we older people have issues for self defense, but let's face it, many younger people have health issues as well, and want protection(s).
Click to expand...
1767736386472.jpeg

@Old_Me giving self defense lessons
 
I will be 75 in a couple months (where the heck did the past 55 years go?). In my state, assault or battery on a person over 65 is a felony. It might help for a potential aggressor to be aware of my age. I have been a firearms trainer for more thsn 50 years and defensive tactics instructor for many but at my age I am not going even one round with anyone. My first tactic will be to take myself elsewhere. With an artificial knee and various points of arthritis, if a physical fight is thrust upon me my plan is a sudden, violent disabling strike and then hobble away. I avoid crowds but if in a crowded place I will bring my walking stick. If deadly force is offered, well, I have that covered. Like BassCliff said above, best course is to avoid the conflict and places it might happen altogether. But, what do you do if you see a woman or child being attacked out in public somewhere? I suppose the seriousness of the attack figures into the decision whether to intervene. It's a bitch getting old.
 
Like others have said, I try to avoid if at all possible. I’ve been concentrating on Situational awareness as much as possible. My health is great. My body is not. I’m 74 years old. I know of guys in their 80’s and up that Golf Jog, and all sorts of activities. Just within the last Three years, I went from walking a minimum of 5 miles a day, like nothing, to lucky to walk 3. I can’t stoop down. I can’t run. I have to be careful how I bend down or my left leg will give out. If I got knocked down, I would not be able to easily get up. I would have to defend myself from the ground. So, I try to remember, keep my head on a swivel, house doors and car doors are kept locked. I keep pepper gel in one pocket and a Snub nose in another. At gas pumps one hand is on either. Same thing walking through parking lots. The last thing I want is to have to shoot an attacker. Even if you win the fight, you could be tied up in court for a long time. I belong to CCW SAFE. I know I’ll probably never need a gun, but what if. Bail and defense could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. I hope I never even need the pepper gel. Be careful out there!
 
Very interesting responses, I’m surely not alone. It’s just hard when I sit back and think how vulnerable I am now and things are keep getting more dangerous. Then you have the legal aspect to consider in a split second at a time when my thinking ain’t as quick as it used to be to be. On top of that a jail sentence for making the wrong decision in the moment can be a life sentence at my age.
My wife and I limit where we go a bit in the last 5+ years 🙁.
 
HayesGreener said:
I will be 75 in a couple months (where the heck did the past 55 years go?). In my state, assault or battery on a person over 65 is a felony. It might help for a potential aggressor to be aware of my age. I have been a firearms trainer for more thsn 50 years and defensive tactics instructor for many but at my age I am not going even one round with anyone. My first tactic will be to take myself elsewhere. With an artificial knee and various points of arthritis, if a physical fight is thrust upon me my plan is a sudden, violent disabling strike and then hobble away. I avoid crowds but if in a crowded place I will bring my walking stick. If deadly force is offered, well, I have that covered. Like BassCliff said above, best course is to avoid the conflict and places it might happen altogether. But, what do you do if you see a woman or child being attacked out in public somewhere? I suppose the seriousness of the attack figures into the decision whether to intervene. It's a bitch getting old.
Click to expand...
Yes,you are absolutely correct about getting old as I have been doing that for quite a few years and it ain't easy. Like the song says You Gotta Be Tough To Get Old. In a few very few months I turn another year. All my old friends have been called home but my job is not done yet so I will continue on and stand my ground.😉
 
I probably won't make it to seventy. My grandson is killing me. His parents apparently are "Toooooooo tired" to take him to the bouncy park (giant inflatables) that allow adults. By that time maybe I'll have an AI assisted drone armed with wide variety payload: pepper ball launcher, tear gas it can crop dust, phased plasma rifle in the 40 watt range.
 
1canvas said:
As I started getting older and physical issues started to present themselves, I find it difficult to strategize for different self defense scenarios. At 70 I am a big fan of pepper spray, but it’s not an end all solution, especially in the wind. With my right hand at 30% function (osteoarthritis) and my left at 80% (for now) I suite feel pretty vulnerable. This is a far cry from decades of martial arts when I was younger and weight training.
That has me wondering, what are some of the older people here dealing with and their strategies?
Click to expand...
I'm 78 have some medical issues but still maintain situational awareness wherever I go. Obiviously can't say for sure but if attacked would probably have to resort to lethal force. Like many have said avoidance is very wise but bad things can happen in the blink of an eye.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top