So now you are easier prey.

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Many folks, younger, whole, and in good health never consider they may become easier prey.
All it takes is a motor vehicle accident, or falling off a ladder.

We also have those older, with permanent difficulties, that have discovered they are indeed more prone to criminals, and crime, and perhaps calling 911 is not going to be good enough when a situation presents itself.

So what do you do?

I would like to discuss S&T in regard to "now you are easier prey".

First off, admit to yourself and accept the fact you are easier prey.
Acceptance is the key, and once done so, one can move forward on strategies and tactics in taking responsibility for themselves.
 
We are, all of us, easier prey. Old young, healthy or infirm. Our laws and rules cause hesitation and second guessing of instinctual responses. The biggest thing any honest Citizen can do is realize personal security begins and ends with self. Practice hyper vigilance, practice drawing your weapon of choice from different positions. Cultivate your startle response for better reaction time to threats, and know your limitations. A 90 year old lady with COPD can kill the biggest home invader as long as she can stroke a trigger.
 
The only thing one can truly share, are their life experiences.

I am now easier prey, I admit, and have accepted this.

Oh I am angry, and I do not like it, but I have accepted this fact of life.

I share not for attention or anything, only to hopefully assist others, and in doing so, learn some things for myself. Having assisted folks all my life, I know all too well, the teacher often learns more from the student, than the student from the teacher.

Recently a condition that crept on me, worsened. My first day off since the Fourth of July and I went to the Emergency Room. On the way, I made a stop at a Farm Store, and purchased a $12.99, made in USA, hickory cattle cane.

My S&T was, I had no idea what would happen at the ER, if I would be admitted into the hospital, or how I would be if released from the ER. I just knew I was not 100%, and was taking prudent steps to lessen being easier prey.

I was treated, given physician's orders to see a clinic the next day. I also needed to get some things related to my problem. Now I live in the country, and had to travel over 20 miles to this bigger city where the Hospital/ER is.

The best place to get what I needed was Wal-Mart so I was instructed at the ER.
I hurt. Still I had to do what I had to do, in order to take care of my medical problem, and I have a right to be safe in carrying out my daily affairs.

So I first observed the parking lot, and found a parking place sorta close, but in a straight line with the entrance, exit. I wanted as straight "shot" to and fro as I could.

I set my jaw, put on my best face, snagged that cane, purchased too long on purpose, so I could fit it later, without a cane tip, and using situational awareness, headed in, made my purchases, headed out, and went home without incident.

I gave the perception I wanted. That being I was paying attention, and I would not be easy.

Sometimes how one carries themselves, is a very viable strategy and tactic.

Steve
 
It starts with the basics. It ends with the basics. In between there are ... the basics.

DW and I had lunch one day last week with a former university student (FS) of hers, a full fledged adult, now widowed. In the course of conversation FS says to DW, I need to learn how to shoot now that I am by myself. Of course, here in the South, "learn to shoot" is code for "learn to fight with a gun."

So after lunch was over and we were on our way, DW and I commenced a discussion (which any place else would likely be called an argument :D, here it is 'striving for clarity') over how to get her started. Now we have a pretty voluminous library of self defense books, DVDs and even antique videotapes, because we have both been at this for a while. So we sat down last night and reviewed some of the DVDs that we thought might offer good starting places for a new student of defensive shooting.

Very high on the list for both of us were Tom Givens' presentations/interpretations of Cooper's Color Codes and the Principles of Personal Defense. These are not hugely expensive, and can be ordered from Rangemaster ( http://www.rangemaster.com/ ). The two DVDs are $15.95 each plus S&H. DW and I have both seen Tom live on the platform and on the range and consider him an excellent instructor. And these two presentations, plus a copy of the book Principles of Personal Defense ( http://www.paladin-press.com/product/Principles_of_Personal_Defense/Other_Combat_Shooting , $14) will probably be where FS gets her first lessons, even before the shooting starts.

It all starts with the basics. It all ends with the basics. In between there are still the basics. The better someone is at any of this, the better they are at performing the basics.

lpl
 
I may never see 65 again but I sure ain't easier prey. I have many years of training and am in decent health. I still split wood, run and practice shooting and self awareness. I don't project a little ole man attitude and have stroked a trigger in the '60s against others so I don't have any hesitation. I consider my age an asset legally if forced to do "harm" in any way to a younger man give me a jury trial. My refuse to be a victim attitude is one I have had well into childhood and my gut still serves me well as to instincts.
 
I had an Uncle that was a Cowboy as a young man, a WWII Paratrooper, and a bodyguard for some rather famous entertainers in the 40's and 50's.
In his mid seventies he had some issues with some folks, mostly local political stuff. He told me his attitude changed, "As a young man I feared no man and would stand toe to toe and fight any man anytime anywhere. Now I'm old have cancer and dont give a damn, I will shoot the first SOB that steps up and tries to lay a hand on me."
He had some thick bark on him.
Easier prey, well some might think so; but maybe your mindset can change too.
 
Chemical Hazard.

My 1st line defense outside my house is Anti-Bear-Spray, Industrial Strength. That is the Big Bore non-firearm of last resort, meaning when a stalker has got me nearly in their grasp, or when the same pair of Mooks has tracked me throughout the store, and now are to my car. At home every door has a little hanger near it that holds Anti-Wasp-Spray, in case some Anglo-saxon ... no, wait: for malicious-intentioned visitors, and it DOES work THROUGH the screen! City trips see my I.S. A.B.S. carried in a belt holster, and an H&R 9-rd, 2-in. .22, "ElPaso-holster" behind my belt. At one time I carried a G-21, but I've lost weight, and now my G-30 fits the bill, Blackhawk Serpa, off-side carry. I usually don't carry all my gun-fuel into the stores, but it is in easy reach in the car. I have my V.A.-issued disability tag for when the knees lock up, but I'd rather keep walking while I can, and I do have my V.A.-issued black-steel cane with about 2 pounds of .50-cal. lead tamped in the lower portion, and super-glue holding the shot on place. Growing old is not an opt-out selection; may as well be safe while enjoying it. I'm the old dude who relies usually on only ONE caliber, and Knows how to use it.
 
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I like the way you've kept some of this thinking in the forefront of a couple of relevant threads, Steve. One never knows what tomorrow will bring.

The easier prey mindset is probably, as regjoe observes, a good one to get into, period. I've seen some big, mean people out there–which for sure made me "easier" even back in my 20's with 5 times-weekly Martial Arts background.

When one becomes/is "easier" one then has to compensate by also becoming "inconvenient". Inconvenient because the house is harder than the next. Inconvenient because the cane looks stouter than the typical assist from walgreens. Inconvenient, because the prey's eyes have picked the predator out of the crowd, and marked/tracked them. Inconvenient, because there are friends alongside who also look like more trouble than they are worth. Inconvenient, due to subtly repositioning to a place/position that affords the prey more advantage and the predator less than just a moment ago. Inconvenient, because the open jacket *just might* cover teeth and claws that would be best ignored for something softer.

Frankly, I've been "easy" all along, but I've also been pretty darn inconvenient–at least thus far.
 
Easier prey? Yep...

Just like Clint Eastwood in Gran Torino.

I would not have messed with your uncle, Averageman: no one in their right mind would have. May he rest.
 
Basics:

Don't look like prey.
Give the perceptions needed to either give evil second thoughts about taking you down or to forget you all together, or you don't give a snit and won't go easy.

The later refers to the old saying a old man has been there, seen that, and done that, and has lived enough years and don't give a darn, as will fight evil even if it kills them.

Many, though not all criminals, want easy prey. So sometimes giving perceptions, carrying yourself with a mindset and attitude of not being easy prey prevents trouble.

Just, it would advisable to do as my attitude is, that being as I will not go easy, and am prepared to do what is needed to defend myself as I go through whatever I have to through at this time.

They may get me, but I am going to give as much as I gets, and my attitude is to give more/ do as much to them, as I gets.

I have a right to defend myself. So I want to give the perception I know I have the right to defend myself as well too.

Too many today expect 911 or other means to protect them, and criminals know this. So, maybe, and I mean just maybe, having the "presence" and "attitude" about NOT expecting 911, or Cameras, or anything else, will "signal" criminals one is not easy prey

I forget the movie, but I like the line in the movie. Which I will edit for Art's Grammaw

I'm here to chew bubble gum and kick butt, but I am fresh out of bubble gum.

Sometimes giving this perception works, sometimes it does not...so have a plan, a back up and another back up plan and....
 
While society has tried to end Darwinism and a few get to old age without wisdom of the years. I doubt many here are so afflicted.
 
Maybe I am weird but to me it is all about situational awareness. First middle and last. Who has the advantage in a situation and "if" it is not yours how can you change the situation in your favor; best answer is do not put yourself in a situation where you do not have the advantage to begin with. Obviously not always possible in our day to day life cycle so we carry firearms (advantage) while hoping and dreaming they will never have to be used..

If someone blind sides you and you are the fastest draw in the west...you were/are still cold cocked and totally at their mercy regardless of your ability to handle a weapon.

Again: Situational awareness is chapter one in my book.


We are, all of us, easier prey. Old young, healthy or infirm. Our laws and rules cause hesitation and second guessing of instinctual responses.
Click to expand...

There is much truth in that statement; regarding some of the news reports it would lead one to assume this ain't the old days in Kansas anymore depending on where you live. Yet laws and common sense that were written in a different time are still on the books today and need to be heeded if they are going to be enforced.

So:

We are all conditioned right or wrong to the society we live in and it's laws/morays. Go against those laws and the full force of their justice will smacketh thee!

A gun forum like THR has thought provoking and sometimes contentious discussions but it has also helps make many of us think (individually) outside our own little box. We can put ourselves in the many situations enumerated from the comfort and safety of our very own key boards.

Some were truly awesome warriors once upon a time but there are few news paper adds for civilian warriors these days and what worked in the little war we fought will not give you Arty or air-cover in downtown Detroit. Sorry had to throw that in. Anyone who has fought for our country and survived then they are all winners IMO. We all know those who gave their all before they really got to experience life. Who is better off; that is for us to know when it is our own time.

Basic principles of self defense in a given situation and according to one's health and mind set; what are these principles for you? We all have to answer that for ourselves with hopefully guidance from those who have gone before. The actions and stories of those who wear the T-shirt in their heart and mind that says and means "been there done that, yet I am always wanting to learn"..

Your neatest Kung-Fu super secret death with one finger move that worked 40 years ago will work today?

Does it mean avoid or turn tail and run (if you can) or banish a firearm, blade, cain, bag of dog poop, hot coffee, shoot to scare wound or kill... what can be turned to your advantage? All individual questions that would be wise to answer for yourself without some epic fantasy mind set.

If you see something coming it gives you time to formulate or pick from plans based on the environment you find yourself. Hopefully some of our more common environments we travel through a basic plan of action has been formulated pre-event/encounter.

Let us all hope if the time comes we chose wisely.
 
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SM, I always enjoy your posts, and from what I see here, these old guys are not the ones to be messed with, I guess it's true what they say "Don't mess with a man too old to fight, he'll just shoot you." Good to see our older crowd holding their ground.
 
People can greatly increase their situation awareness by simply hanging up the phone......chris3
 
A subject near and dear to my heart, since I became "older". I turned 70 this year, and my wife is 67.

One thing you will find as you age, what you can talk so well about doing now, you will find difficult if not impossible when you get older. If you make it to senior citizen class, you won't be up to the martial arts you did as a young man. I know I can't. Old injuries catch up to you. I've found that everything I ever broke, tore, had operated on, comes back to haunt you as a senior citizen. That old army injury has me on a cane most times, so running is not an option.

One thing that helps and seems to grow sharper, is the situational awareness. The natural paranoia that comes from being the old deer at the back of the herd makes you aware of the wolves more keenly. And as an older person, the wolves do come stalking. You make note of who's around you, and seems to move with you in the mall or store. If you're lucky, and have a better half for a long time, you learn to work as a team. you have things worked out between you, like who carries what, does what. This is doubly important living in a state that does not allow CCW. That limits us to pepper spray, canes, maybe a backup knife. Two people working as a team can be very effective, even when confronted by younger more able wolves. Being that all the wolves will be younger, faster, stronger than you, you learn to be as under handed and low down sneaky and dirty as possible. You're coming from to far behind to take chances.

In the end, situational awareness is going to be almost the only thing you have going for you. You learn to look around, sterreo type the people that may be threat. You are not likely to be mugged by the two young guys in Brooks brothers suits carrying attache cases discussing a department merger. But the two young guys in the hoodies with the pants at half mast, eying you are the wolves to watch. You learn to go to a higher alert status, the wife slipping her hand in her purse and holding the larger police size canister of spray at ready while you get between them and her with you heavy blackthorn or hornbeam stick, and you plot an evasive course.

At home, there's the revolvers that you keep at hand, and you don't open the door for somebody you don't know. If they make it past the "No soliciting"sign on the front gate, they're trespassing, and you have the revolver in hand out of sight as you tell them through the door to leave now. You learn to keep the castle secured at all times. That means doors locked, and when working in your own back yard, you keep a small handgun on you. It's your property after all.

Take advantage of your age or infirmity. Get a handicap tag to hang on the rear view mirror when you have to go shopping. That way you can park right in front of most places. You've lived that long, you deserve it.

Do some weight training and some stick training. Even if you live in a place that lets you CCW, it may pay off. When you get to an old age, most of your attackers will be a strong arm robbery. Even with the large age difference, the lawyers fees will break you if you shoot someone, rather than just break a kneecap with a stock cane. Guns are fine, but they have a two edge sword problem. The second you shoot some punk, your life just changed for the worse. I've often been lucky that I don't live in a CCW state, the couple run ins I've had got settled with a few well aimed blows of a cane, or a shot of pepper spray.

With proper strategies and tactics, enjoying life as a senior citizen is not that much more hazardous than normal, once you recognize the dangers and plan for them. No hanging around bars late at night, no going to that bad part of town if you don't have to. And our little home town here of Washington D.C. does have some bad parts. But somehow, we've lived and enjoyed the city without any real bad things happening, by just using common sense and situational awareness. We do go downtown often, enjoying the museums and art galleries, resturaunts and shows. About once a month we travel to New York city to enjoy a weekend there. No problems. It all comes down to just common sense and being aware of your surroundings, no matter how old you are. And a few legal items on you that can be pressed into service if need be. And have a well rehersed plan/routine worked out before hand with your partner.

But always remember the Q-ship. It looked like an easy target, so easy the U-boat would surface to sink it with gunfire rather than waste a torpedo. That was usually the last thing it ever did.
 
sm said:
Basics:

Don't look like prey.
Give the perceptions needed to either give evil second thoughts about taking you down or to forget you all together, or you don't give a snit and won't go easy.

The later refers to the old saying a old man has been there, seen that, and done that, and has lived enough years and don't give a darn, as will fight evil even if it kills them.

Many, though not all criminals, want easy prey. So sometimes giving perceptions, carrying yourself with a mindset and attitude of not being easy prey prevents trouble.

Just, it would advisable to do as my attitude is, that being as I will not go easy, and am prepared to do what is needed to defend myself as I go through whatever I have to through at this time.

They may get me, but I am going to give as much as I gets, and my attitude is to give more/ do as much to them, as I gets.

I have a right to defend myself. So I want to give the perception I know I have the right to defend myself as well too.

Too many today expect 911 or other means to protect them, and criminals know this. So, maybe, and I mean just maybe, having the "presence" and "attitude" about NOT expecting 911, or Cameras, or anything else, will "signal" criminals one is not easy prey

I forget the movie, but I like the line in the movie. Which I will edit for Art's Grammaw

I'm here to chew bubble gum and kick butt, but I am fresh out of bubble gum.

Sometimes giving this perception works, sometimes it does not...so have a plan, a back up and another back up plan and....
Click to expand...
Hahahaha! They Live was the movie. I thought I was the only one who liked that movie. Good old Roddy Piper!!!
 
The Basics?

What are the basics? Very good question! It's easy for many of us to take too much for granted sometimes. Let's see if we can remedy that here and now. Please note that what follows is my own opinion, my own synthesis, and not all will necessarily agree with what I've written here. Doesn't mean I'm right, doesn't mean they're wrong, all of this is subject to some degree of interpretation.

Some of the best sources available from which to learn the basics have already been outlined on this thread, but there are others as well that we should mention. You might note my SIG line - mindset, skillset, toolset. Those are the three things 'the basics' cover, in their order of importance. Those three words provide an outline or a skeleton upon which to hang the huge body of work that has been developed by any number of people who were deeply interested in furthering the science of self defense across any number of years.

The very first and foremost principle is MINDSET. Mindset is the most basic of the basics. ALERTNESS is the first foundation stone of mindset. Here's one approach to developing alertness.

1) Learn that crime is a PROCESS, not just an event that happens out of nowhere. Learn the basics of that process and how it can affect you - http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/crime_is_a_process.htm .

2) Learn the five stages of violent crime, and learn to recognize the stages of crime in operation on the street if you see them happening - http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/five_stages.html .

3) We preach "situational awareness" (SA) here as if it were some sort of religion, but you have to know what situational awareness is, what it means and most importantly you have to know how to maintain your own situational awareness when you are exposed to an environment where violent crime is a possibility if your situational awareness is to do you any good. And on top of that, you must also be aware that there are times when, in spite of your best efforts, your awareness will fail and you might be attacked unexpectedly at close quarters. What is situational awareness and how do you practice it? See the following discussions, originating from several different viewpoints. Note that situational awareness can have different meanings for different people, depending on what those people are doing - piloting boats or aircraft, or just piloting themselves through daily life.

http://www.uscg.mil/auxiliary/training/tct/chap5.pdf

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5211/docs/CEMSnlpubs/Vol_5_Issue2.pdf

http://www.stratfor.com/threats_situational_awareness_and_perspective

http://www.stratfor.com/weekly/20100609_primer_situational_awareness

http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Situational_Awareness

I suggested some other resources earlier, and those are very good at helping teach the basics of situational awareness as well as several other foundation stones of Mindset. Those resources are:

Book: Principles of Personal Defense by Jeff Cooper - http://www.paladin-press.com/product/Principles_of_Personal_Defense/Other_Combat_Shooting , $14

DVD: Tom Givens, Cooper's Color Codes , $15.95
http://www.rangemaster.com/, see the "Books and DVDs" button in the upper right.

DVD: Tom Givens, Principles of Personal Defense , $15.95

While I do not recommend trying to learn new physical skills solely from books or videos, learning the kind of material outlined above is particularly well suited to a multimedia approach to teaching/learning IMHO.

Finally I'd like to suggest the following addition, from professional trainer John Farnam: http://www.defense-training.com/quips/2003/19Mar03.html .

The above is just a start, a beginning on examining the basics. But it IS a start.

Here's our rough outline so far:

I. MINDSET

A. Alertness
1. Realizing The Process of Crime
2. Recognizing The Five Stages of Violent Crime
3. Situational Awareness

B. Decisiveness

C. Aggressiveness

D. Speed

E. Coolness

F. Ruthlessness

G. Surprise

II. SKILLSET

III. TOOLSET

Please feel free to discuss the above, question, dispute, disagree, enlarge, or whatever. Real Life intrudes right now and I have to take a break from the keyboard.

lpl
 
actually, age and infirmery gives you leverage in the "disparity of force" question if/when attacked.

id have a more difficuly time defending why i put 4-5 slugs in a 30 something 5'09" 170 pound attacker whom did not have a weapon, versus a gent in his 60's and of medium to slight build or mobility challenged, or a senior lady of smaller stature.

being "percieved" as an easier target is a fact of life and nature. plan accordingly.
 
3) We preach "situational awareness" (SA) here as if it were some sort of religion, but you have to know what situational awareness is, what it means and most importantly you have to know how to maintain your own situational awareness when you are exposed to an environment where violent crime is a possibility if your situational awareness is to do you any good. And on top of that, you must also be aware that there are times when, in spite of your best efforts, your awareness will fail and you might be attacked unexpectedly at close quarters.
Click to expand...

The best blind side I have ever seen was a young man; "Red Beard" squared off with another guy about 70% his size. Little did Red Beard know he had just squared off against a Thai military special forces (TSF) dude. Red Beard was making great stance and offensive moves when from behind at approximately 45 degrees another TSF guy moved in and with one punch totally put the lights out of Red Beard. Red Beards feet came completely off the ground as he flew backwards approx 4 feet landing among chairs and a table. Looked just like an old western movie.

Most Thai men know Muay Thai combat moves to begin with. You take a TSF dude and his skills are honed to such a point...... you really do not want to go there to begin with.

Red Beard was focused on his opponent waiting for an opening and was totally in "tunnel vision mode". Might work in a formal fighting ring but was obviously not a well working plan in this situation. Anyone who knows their (Thai) culture would know you do not fight one Thai unless you are Thai yourself or in a formal ring.

It really is no difference than a fighter pilot in WWll going against 3 enemy aircraft; the odds of surviving are already three to one unless you can create or have a advantage. It can be done but that might be where "against all odds" gets reinforced!

I had come to accept that I was not in battle mode during my day to day life. As I aged it had gotten to the point where I was totally uncaring or unaware due to my life style and never seeing meanness in my environment. I was always bigger than most people so if I got into something stupid it was usually with a lesser opponent and ended with "one for my team none for them".

Your self image unfortunately carries over as we age until something you once did with ease you can not do any longer. I used to pull a 70# bow back and shoot rather well. I can't even draw a 70# bow now unless I use my legs, arms, and feet while taking vitamins for a month before the attempt!! Even with that method something might break or get torn up; and probably not on the bow!

Then the last couple of years there were couples who died in their homes from break ins. People who were not nice doing things to people who were just walking to and fro from some store while shopping. I had to make a conscience effort to reacquire and assess my "skill set" and determine what I could actually do in-line with my own protection. Not out of fear but more of a what gives some BG the right to mess with me or mine? I have tried to do this without macho bovine excreta or some fantasy of self.

THR has helped motivate me in this area without me being paranoid as far as I can tell; just more aware of my circumstances. Another asset of this area and mind set IMO you all of a sudden feel more alive than just quietly going to the grave as "just another old man".
 
Walk wide around blind corners, step wide when walking past door ways, alleys, etc., walk with purpose, and see everything. When I am out and about, on foot or otherwise, I am constantly processing all sensory information on a threat/non-threat basis. I attempt to keep terrain and circumstances in my favor by altering my course in such a way that wherever I might be is to my advantage. It is a conglomeration of a thousand little things that will keep us safe, consistency in your mind set, and a firm resolve to live!
 
My problem is that in my head, I'm still in my mid 20's, able to bang out a hundred push ups, bench more than my body weight and run a 10K.

20 years later (12 of that sitting on my arse at a desk job) I'm carrying around a spare tire and get winded if I have to climb a few flights of steps.

Allergy triggered asthma and a bum knee isn't helping either.

None the less, on Saturdays, I'll work the chainsaws and log splitter for 6 to 8 hours and then be in pain for the next 3 days.

Accepting ones growing limitations isn't easy in more ways than one.

When sizing up my odds against some of the young bucks out there, I need to live in the present and not the past.
 
First off, admit to yourself and accept the fact you are easier prey.
Click to expand...
Considering all of the steps I have taken in the last 10 years to be just the opposite, why would I adopt that type of mindset?
 
Not to be a jerk here, and obviously I've gathered the fact that this thread caters to a specific group of people; but when you say easier prey, what exactly do you mean? Easier than whom?

For instance, I'm a 26 year old guy. I've never taken a formal fighting/self defense course, I have no physical disability or handicap, and I don't carry a gun, knife, or any form of impact weapon... ever, to be totally honest. However, I did serve in the military, and am reasonably fit. Also, I do consider situational awareness at all times, regardless of what I'm doing - and often without realizing I'm taking inventory of my surroundings. But obviously I'm not the most prepared guy in the world as far as tools at my disposal.

That being said, an honest estimate is that I fall roughly in between MacGyver and a quadriplegic. Is the idea to just kind of realize that I'm not as well prepared as I can be? Or is this thread directly solely to people who may have some sort of disability or physical ailment, compared to "average, young people?"
 
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