A report by the Center for Disease Control shows a rise in violence against the elderly. It highlights the glim picture of the worsening welfare of the seniors.
Between 2007 and 2016, the rate of nonfatal assault among the elderly increased by 75.4% (men) and 35.4% (women).
These statistics are alarming. Elderly people are seen as the most vulnerable members of society because of their frailty. And even if they are attacked, they find it extremely hard to defend themselves against the attackers due to their physical weakness.
Some seniors protect themselves by attending self-defense courses or acquiring a gun for self-defense. But which is the best home defense weapon for seniors?
The answer to this question is not simple. You’ll have to consider several factors before you can come up with the right choice for your situation.
Therefore, we will divide our discussion into two major parts:
- Gun vs self-defense classes
- Review of some of the best home defense weapon for senior that could be used by seniors
Gun vs Self-Defense Classes
Before we compare guns and self-defense classes, let’s discuss why seniors may opt for either of them.
Self-Defense Classes
These are groups or individual courses offered by various companies to teach different techniques on how to ward off attackers and protect yourself.
There are two types of self-defense classes: high-risk and low-risk. The former is targeted at those who live in dangerous neighborhoods where they are likely to be attacked, while the latter focuses more on seniors who want to learn hand-to-hand combat techniques as a means of personal protection.
Both programs offer similar, but not identical, benefits. Many people use them as a way to improve their safety and security without resorting to carrying a firearm.
Guns
Owning a gun for self-defense is also an option that many seniors are turning to due to its effectiveness in dealing with attackers.
However, you have to remember that it’s not a magic wand that can protect you from danger all the time. It is a weapon and there are laws to abide by when owning one.
You should only own guns if you know how to use them properly. And another important thing worth considering is that not all seniors can handle or maintain guns safely, so buying one may not be such a good idea.
Now, let’s compare self-defense classes with guns.
Self-Defense Classes vs Guns: Which One is Better for Seniors?
When it comes to choosing between an old front door and a bulletproof one, there is no right or wrong choice here because many people prefer weapons such as pepper spray over firearms.
The choice between a gun and hand-to-hand combat as a means of self-defense is one of the most heated discussions on the internet, with proponents from both sides refusing to back down.
But what exactly are the pros and cons of each? Let’s find out:
Self-Defense Classes
You don’t need any special training or licenses to attend a self-defense class. It’s relatively inexpensive and easy to carry out hundreds or even thousands of miles away from home.
However, attending such classes only boosts your chances of defending yourself in the event of an attack. The more you practice the techniques taught during the course, the better prepared you’ll be for any encounters with attackers.
Guns
Owning a gun for self-defense is a big responsibility. It’s not easy to own one, and you have to go through extensive background checks before they can sell you a firearm. In some states, it is necessary to live in the same county where you buy the firearm.
In addition, owning a gun requires help from family or friends because seniors are not physically able to maintain them.
On the other hand, you only need a permit for carrying pepper spray in many states. Plus, guns can stop an attacker almost instantly whereas pepper sprays usually take several seconds before they start working.
But owning a gun is certainly more expensive than taking classes or buying pepper spray. You need to buy at least three sets of cartridges to be always prepared for potential attackers, and this doesn’t include the cost of purchasing a gun.
Self-Defense Classes vs Guns: Which Is the Best Choice for Seniors?
Self-defense classes are best for seniors who want to learn how to defend themselves against potential attackers.
However, the decision to buy pepper spray or attend classes should ultimately be yours. You can conduct intensive research about both options online before making a final choice.
And you shouldn’t worry too much if your budget doesn’t allow for self-defense classes. There are other effective means of protection that you can use immediately such, as installing an alarm system in your house.
A good criminal defense lawyer near you is also a worthwhile investment, especially if you’ve already been a victim of a crime. You can also contact local law enforcement officials or read up on safety tips from the police department’s website to stay safe and secure at all times.
5 Best Home Defense Weapon For Seniors
If you don’t want to go for self-defense classes, you can still explore the following options:
Guns
This is the most viable weapon for seniors. It is so easy to use even for people with poor eyesight.
There are many types of guns you can choose from depending on your preference and budget, including handguns, shotguns, submachine guns, rifles, etc. Some are more effective in self-defense than others.
Some examples are the Glock 26 Gen 4 Semi-automatic Pistol, the Benelli 12 Ga. Black Eagle 2 Semi-Auto Shotgun, the Ruger 10/22 Takedown Semi-Automatic Rifle, etc.
Alarm System
Having an alarm system in your house is one of the best ways to protect yourself. Also, it doesn’t cost too much and can be easily installed by professionals.
Alarm systems are equipped with sensors that detect loud sounds or high-pitched noises. A siren will go off when someone comes near your house, scaring attackers and making them flee.
If you don’t want to break your door during an emergency, you can install door anchors instead of regular bolts. They are easy to use even for seniors who may be experiencing some form of arthritis or joint pain that makes opening doors difficult.
These door anchors add a layer of security in your home. However, we recommend that it used together with alarm systems.
You can buy stun guns online or from gun shops near you. They are relatively inexpensive and can be easily concealed inside your bag. There are even models that resemble regular pens, which means they won’t draw too much attention during emergencies.
However, using a stun gun is more complicated than pepper sprays and self-defense classes. You also have to make sure that you don’t touch any part of the stun gun with your bare hands because it may cause serious injuries.
As a senior, your safety is more important than ever so you should invest in these home security measures as soon as possible even if they come with a higher price tag. Just think of all the money and time you can save in the future once you’ve installed these anti-crime gadgets around your house.
Seniors should consider buying pepper spray to protect themselves against potential attackers. They are legal in many states, easy-to-use, and can be bought online.
However, they aren’t as powerful as gun cartridges so there is a possibility that you’ll have to use several sprays before your attacker goes away.
Also, you should always take pepper spray classes before purchasing to learn how to use the product properly.
Best Home Defense Weapon For Seniors – Conclusion
As a senior citizen, your physical strength may have diminished significantly but your danger radar can still be as sharp as ever.
Just stay alert and pay attention to details because this will help you determine if a person is a threat or just a walking customer from the neighborhood grocery store who made an emergency run for bread and milk.
Remember, self-defense isn’t just about learning about the best weapons for seniors or practicing a few moves during your free time. It’s more about being mindful of your surroundings and not getting complacent with your daily activities.
If you have a security system, learn all the codes so you’ll know how to disable it in case a suspicious person is lurking outside your house.
If you want to purchase a gun, make sure you register it with the authorities and learn how to use it properly before going out on shopping sprees for ammunition.
Last but not least, pepper sprays can be a good stand-by weapon if you don’t want to carry a firearm all the time. Just make sure you know how to use it.
As a senior citizen, your best weapon is knowledge because the more aware you are of the dangers around you, the better prepared you will be in defending yourself and your loved ones from these threats.