Unfortunately, there are many people in the world today that don’t have the best intentions. Even seniors can be vulnerable, which is scary for those who want to maintain independence and travel solo. The best thing you can do to protect yourself as an older adult is to master self-defense, just in case.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to participate in self-defense as a senior, you’re in the right place. The more you know about how to access information to protect yourself, the easier it will be to feel confident on the move. Keep reading as we discuss some of the best ways to master the fundamentals as a senior.
Take Community Center/YMCA Classes
Your local community center or YMCA might offer a free or low-cost self-defense class for seniors, providing ample self-defense tips and practical ways you can work to keep yourself safe if someone approaches you while you are on the move. Sometimes, these courses might only be available for members and those who live in the local community.
It’s a good idea to go online, call your YMCA or community center, or give them a visit before deciding that’s where you want to take your classes. Some locations might not have them, so you may need to push your search a little further from home or turn to other sources of self-defense education if they don’t have anything for you.
Watch Online Videos
One study shows that walking helps seniors retain their independence while aging, but it’s vital to have self-defense under your belt if you want to feel secure while moving around in public areas. An easy way to master some self-defense skills from home is to watch videos online.
Through online videos, you can explore self-defense options such as:
- Senior-oriented self-defense
- De-escalation
- Krav Maga
- Aikido
These are all reasonable choices for seniors to learn as protection.
Of course, it’s up to you to determine which form of senior self-defense is the most effective for your age and athletic ability. Some older individuals might be able to take on more physical forms of self-defense, while others should focus on methods that allow them to escape as soon as possible.
Visit a Martial Arts Center
If you want to be serious about senior self-defense, consider taking a class at a martial arts center. The benefit of this technique is that you get to learn from a professional and even have the chance to practice with those younger than you to see what it might be like if someone tried to attack you in public.
It might seem scary to head to a martial arts center as a senior, but most locations are adamant that any person of any age can participate in their classes. It might be a good idea to call the business ahead of time to get more information and learn about their recommendations for self-defense classes as an older adult.
A class will allow you to dig into your best self as an older adult. You will be encouraged by a teacher and other students and will leave feeling far more confident than when you first set foot inside the building. If you’re a go-getter, learn at a martial arts center. They will challenge and encourage you in ways you won’t find online.
Read Step-By-Step Articles
According to one study, there are significant changes in strength and coordination as one ages, so it’s vital to retain these skills as you grow older. Keeping up with physical movement as you age will allow you to keep these items, and that can be as simple as trying out self-defense skills for yourself through simple step-by-step articles online.
Some learners will benefit more from reading an article than watching a video or attending an in-person class. Luckily, there are ample articles online that provide detailed information about various moves you can perform for self-defense. Some are more complex than others.
There are also courses you can purchase online if you want a combination of images, videos, and written information. These can clarify things for those who need more details than a simple video.
Related: The 7 Best Self-Defense Tools for Seniors
Learn From a Loved One
Finally, you can always consider learning self-defense basics from a loved one who has gone through the process before. Maybe you have a child, grandchild, or even a friend who has some experience. If you don’t want to spend money and feel more comfortable with someone you know, consider asking them to help you out.
One study shows that some of the best ways to keep your mind sharp as a senior is to stay physically active and have excellent social connections. By meeting up with your experienced loved one, you will be checking two of those boxes every time you visit while learning new self-defense skills for a safer future and a healthier body.
Of course, it’s best if your loved one has gone through a professional course. It won’t benefit you if they are guessing what will offer the best self-defense as a senior.
Related: The Best Travel Accessories in Your Later Years
Final Thoughts
If you are a senior who likes to remain active, it’s valuable to gain some self-defense skills to feel confident in case something were to happen while you are out strolling down the street. We recommend learning self-defense from locations such as your local YMCA or senior center, online videos, a martial arts center, articles, or an experienced loved one.
Although it might seem tricky for some seniors to master self-defense skills, it’s a good idea to try. You never know what kinds of people and situations you will encounter on the sidewalk or in a public location, and it’s always better to be prepared than to have no skills under your belt at all. No matter your preferred learning style, there is something for you.
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