Senior citizens are often targeted for crimes. Many of these crimes are non-violent, but some can be avoided or prevented with the use of basic self-defense techniques. Some of the techniques require the use of a weapon or cane, but for others, you'll only need your body. If your life is in danger, or you feel that it may be, you have the right to defend yourself.
Cane Defense
Some seniors consider their canes crutches, but others call it their self-defense. "A lot of people don't realize that you can stop many attacks just by knowing how to swing a cane," Cane-Fu instructor Mark Shuey says. Cane-Fu is a technique of self-defense taught by the founder of Cane Masters, a cane-manufacturing company. There are numerous moves you can do with the cane, such as using it to whack the attacker's side or the back of your attacker's knee. You can also use it to hit the aggressor in the groin or ribcage, which will buy some time to get away.
Using the Arms and Hands
Use your fingers and thumbs to jab the attacker anywhere in the face, concentrating on the eyes and nose. Use your arms and elbows to cause pain to your attacker by striking the throat, groin or chest. Your goal is to hurt the attacker and not get hurt. Use a claw grip and dig your fingers into the attacker's eyes. Or, try to place your hands on both sides of his face and shove your thumbs into his eyes. If you can't reach the eyes, try for the neck and aim for the Adam's apple with as much power as you have.
Another good maneuver is an open-palm strike. Use your dominant and strongest hand, with your other one by your side, and strike the assailant under the chin, turning that same side of the body toward the other person for more power. Don't hold back once you begin the motion.
Resisting the Choke Hold
Many attackers like to put their victims in choke holds to render them incapable of fighting back. Don't panic; there are ways you can get out of this position. Raise your arms over your head while turning. As you turn, bend one elbow and come down over the aggressor's arms, pulling the attacker close to your body and trapping him. With the other hand, go for his face and aim for the eyes, nose or throat.
If you aren't able to break free with your arms, use your legs. Lift one leg by bending from the knee and kick his knee as hard as you can. This can make him break his grip and fall.
More Self-Defense Tips
There are other things you can do to prevent an attack, according to Tony Aderhold, who teaches seniors how to prevent crimes at the Fulton County Police Academy in Georgia. Keep your money and identification in your pocket rather than carry a handbag. If you must have a handbag, don't put anything in it that you can't part with. Always have a buddy with you because seniors who go out alone are prime targets. If someone asks for the time, lift your wrist so you can still see his face to prevent losing eye contact.
Once someone tries to attack you, yell at him to leave you alone to get attention from others. If you must hit the other person, be aware that he expects you to try to kick to the groin area, so surprise him with another maneuver. People who keep pepper spray should replace it annually and have it handy.
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