Re: Self-defence for the older person
In my previous career I was a LEO for 35 yrs. 35 yrs of self defense, training & relying on that training to stay alive. Towards the end I was fighting with people 38 yrs younger than me. (One of the reasons I packed it in)
To even the fight besides having our self defense (that I practised regularly in addition to a fitness program) we of course had pepper spray, metal batons, trasers (they came after I retired) and our service weapons. Even considering all of this there were times that even this didn't seem to be enough protection. So while the "average Joe" might get lucky in warding off an attacker, the majority of people won't even with some sort of training.
IMHO the best self defense is having situational awareness & common sense.
Situational awareness is being aware of your surroundings by paying attention to what is going on around you and paying attention to those spider senses that everyone has. If it doesn't feel right get the hell out of there or better yet think about things first, the common sense thing. Is this a good idea? Can I find someone else to walk with me? Is there an alternative that is safer?
Regardless, if you are out in a public setting that means staying off your cell phone, keeping your ear buds out and your head up. Save your calls and texting etc for when you are in a safe zone, a place that you are very familiar with, home, office. restaurant. This includes being in your car. Keep the doors locked, check your mirrors often, leave yourself an escape route so that you can avoid a potential collision or a car jacking attempt. Most importantly stay OFF your phone! Even if you have Bluetooth the phone is still a huge distraction that diverts you from paying attention to your surroundings.
Not letting yourself become a potential victim in the first place is better than having to try to remember some karate kid move that you learned a year ago and haven't practiced since. Even self defense experts worth their salt will agree that the best self defense is avoiding situations where you may become a victim.