HOW SENIOR CITIZENS CAN PROTECT THEMSELVES AND THEIR HOMES

There is no doubt that crime affects all of us in one way or

another. Crime statistics show that all ages will face the

possibility of violence, burglary, assault or something similar

at some time in their lives.



Personal protection and self-defense are stressed in the media.

There are numerous personal safety products and videos on the

market; the opportunity to protect yourself exists. We market

these products and ideas to young adults, families and

especially to women. However, there is one group whom we seem to

have forgotten. These people perhaps need self-defense products

as much as or more than the above groups. Im referring to

grandparents, senior citizens and widows.



This group faces the same dangers as the rest of us. Too, many

of them are caregivers and/or guardians for their grandchildren.

When their adult children stay at home or move back to the

parents home, the possibility exists that there will be a clash

between the two generations. Some form of violence or abuse

could occur. Many senior citizens live alone. They all deserve

the same protection as anyone else. Yet they have not adequately

been made aware of what is available for personal and home

protection.



I can make these observations because I am a member of that

group. I am a grandparent and a senior at 60 years young. Yes, I

market self protection products, so I quickly saw that the

demographics were targeted to 19-45 year olds. I believe we need

to rethink this because too many senior citizens simply dont

know what is available to protect them and their peace of mind.



I also feel that I can speak from experience about the issue. My

mother was sexually assaulted and beaten in her own home by 2

guys who were high on dope and alcohol. She was 85 at the time

and had nothing to protect herno mace, no pepper spray, no stun

gun. She lived eight months after that incident. My late

mother-in-law was a widow and lived by herself in her own home.

She was constantly fearful of sounds at night, her neighborhood

and the bad element that cruised up and down her street. She

knew nothing about self-defense products; her peace of mind was

always affected.



Personally, I have been the victim of burglars three times. They

took electronic equipment from my home and all my tools from the

garage. If I had known then about such devices as personal

alarms, wireless alarms and driveway alarms, none of the losses

would have occurred.



My daughter has been a victim of spousal abuse. Her

three-year-old daughter (the sunshine in my life) witnessed much

of this. When I see how some people have little or no respect

for the rights and property of others, I worry for her as she

gets older. My daughter carries pepper spray on her keychain; I

bought it for her.



You have experiences similar to mine and can relate to my

concerns. Perhaps its your father or mother, your grandparents,

other loved ones. They need to be aware of self protection

products for their safety and well-being. Yes we tell them what

to look for and what to do if they are involved in a dangerous

situation, but we dont inform them of products available to use

in such predicaments.



Granted, it might not be wise for them to use all the

self-defense products, but they should know that stun guns, stun

alarm flashlights, cell phone stun guns, pepper pagers, pepper

spray, personal alarms, home protection devices, and the new

stunning ring are available for their use.



So, how do we remedy this situation? If you have grandparents or

even parents who are seniors, tell them about these products.

The electronic and print media could produce special segments on

the use of such products. Those of us with web sites can target

this group of people. Law enforcement officials often have

seminars informing seniors how to protect their homes and

themselves. Sessions could be scheduled demonstrating

self-defense products and the use of them.



With more attention and focus on senior citizens, this oversight

could be corrected. They have as much right to protect

themselves as anyone else.



For information on home security and self-defense products,

visit www.safetyenforcer.com.



About the author:

Rick is a retired educator, having spent 35 years in the

Midland, Tx. public schools as teacher, counselor, dean of

students and director of an on-campus suspension center. He also

has experience as a radio announcer, news and sportscaster,

employment counselor, retail salesman for a tobacco shop,

wholesale distributor for a beef jerky company, and now owner of

a website promoting self-defense and home security products.