Senior citizen's defence.

[Carl Levitian]

Karate, Brazilian ju-jitsu, and all that are fine when you're young enough, but what happens when you get old?

Time is the most accomplished thief there is. Time will eventually steal you're strength, reflexes, endurance. All you will have left to you is your brain.

Having reached social security senior citizen age, I can report that most of what I depended on in my younger day is useless. Over the years, everything I ever broke, torn, or had operated on has come back to haunt me, and some mornings it's all I can do to hobble downstairs and gulp a few Alieve's with my morning coffee. But then I still have to deal with the world.

Going out to the post office, grocery store, mall, or whatever, one finds onself looking at almost everyone much younger than yourself as being a potential enemy. Like the old deer at the back of the herd, you see the wolves in a different light than when you were young. But its not time to give in just yet.

Living in a non-ccw state, I find myself increasingly stepping up my armement that I can carry. My stout walking stick is ever with me, as is some other stuff. Small knife, screw driver, Cross pen, pepper spray. The problem I have is how far to go. Not far enough, and some young punk can knock me down and take what they want. (There's this misconception that us old fogys have plenty of money.) Too much and I could end up in jail with the very punks I was trying to avoid.

I've found that as I got older, nature had its way of compansating. Its called paranioa. You become as wary as a wild turkey. You don't feel any embarresment at crossing the street because you don't like the look of somebody or somebodys coming down the sidewalk towards you. When some young guy comes up to you and askes the time of day, you find yourself turning your left side towards him to protect your walking stick hand and give you some room to swing it, if need be. Or draw the knife from it's sheath on your belt if there is no room for the stick. When the doorbell rings, you go to the door with the old .38 revolver in your right hand behind your back, yet still take your time looking through the window and asking what do they want, and your not buying any.

I find myself pushing some limits, and finding out that my senior status lets me get away with some things. In Maryland, its legal to open carry a fixed blade on your belt, just can't be concealed. But nobody does it. I carry a 4 inch blade now most everyplace to back up my stick in case of any bad action that gets inside my stick range. If asked, I was fishing and forgot to take it off. As I really do go fishing about every other morning down by the little lake we have in the nieghborhod, and alot of people have come to see me as a fixture there, it helps.
Some days it s small Finish puuko, other times its my old Buck woodsman. I was standing in line at the post office with my old Buck Woodsman on my hip, and somebody gently tapped my on the shoulder. It was a young police officer, and he politly inquired as to why I had a sheath knife on my belt.

I stuttered a bit, acted the absentminded old coot while letting my head shake a bit like Cathrine Hepburn, while I gave him my "What? A knife on my belt? Oh my! I must have forgot to take it off after I was fishing by Gunners Lake! Oh my! I'm in trouble now?"

The young officer just patted me on the shoulder and spoke calmingly to me it was okay, I'm not in trouble, he was just curious. I felt a little bad to have deceived him like that, but as an old fart I've learned to take whatever advantage I can. It seems to me that everyone under 30 thinks everyone over 60 is a senile idiot, who am I to correct them?

I've heard the saying that getting old is not for the faint of heart. I can vouch for that first hand. Getting old in a non-ccw state can be something else. Very challenging.

But most of all, I find myself taking on a Q-ship type of mentality. I know that the preditor will underestimate me enough that I may have just one shot if I act in a way to take him by surprise. No way I'm going to fight somebody half my age, but if I can get in a good bushwacking type of attack, it may work. Being sneaky and underhanded is the order of the day. Honor goes out the window. Embrace the low blow or sudden gut stab from nowhere.

With age, comes treachery. An old person can't afford to be forgiving. When you find yourself at the back of the herd, there's noplace to go but down.

 

[rainbowbob]

Good post. Sorry about Maryland. That may change in your lifetime, yet.

 

[mgkdrgn]

"Sorry about Maryland. That may change in your lifetime, yet."

Having just moved -from- Maryland ... I wouldn't count on it.

 

[TallPine]

Time will eventually steal you're strength, reflexes, endurance. All you will have left to you is your brain.

Unfortunately, time sometimes takes your brain first

I've found that as I got older, nature had its way of compansating. Its called paranioa. You become as wary as a wild turkey.

Or maybe it's just called "wisdom".

When I was a young strong lumberjack, I didn't worry about bad guys nor grizzly bears. I'm a little (lot!) more circumspect now. I shudder now at some of the places that I went years ago without a gun.

 

[The Tourist]

There is one thing that helps. Keep working on your muscle mass.

I've seen differing dates and amounts but the story goes that you lose, rather than gain, 1% of your muscle mass after the age of forty. This is more important than you might think.

You should keep your bones strong. A side benefit of stressing your muscles with exercise is that it keeps bone and sinews healthy. It makes you hungry for protein instead of just pasta. Keeps your lungs clear. (That's important to me, I have asthma.)

While my thighs are the same size and strength as when I was in my twenties, the real story is blood work. My doctor told me after last years physical that while I should *ahem* lose a bit of weight, my numbers were that of a man in his thirties.

The other benefit is resistance to injuries. I just saw a vignette on the muscle structure of ultimate fighters. Their thicker muscles deflect blows better.

I remember my paternal grandmother. She was very thin and frail, and simply bumping herself walking across a room brought her horrible black and blue marks up and down her arms.

Finally, there's the benefit of confidence. Oh, granted, your idea of increased self preservation is a good one. But I don't shuffle and cower and walk with my head down. Even if you're a younger aggressor there's a better chance that you will go out feet first.

Just got back from a ride. Big bike. Heavier winds on the slab. Nothing hurts.

 

[owlhoot]

Carl, sounds like you live in a nice quiet small town. Maybe you are a bit more apprehensive that necessary given your location (Baltimore would be another matter). At any rate, that walking stick is a mighty effective weapon. If you haven't already done so, work out a few moves and combinations with it and practice a bit.

Better yet, you are evidently retired. You are FREE. Get out of Maryland. I can't think of one good reason to live there if you don't have to. Move to a nice little town in Virginia. Still close enough for the kids to visit on Sundays... And at sixty you are still a youngster, hopefully with a lot of good times ahead of you.

 

[cambeul41]

Carl --

Great post! I really like your attitude. At 66, I am a former martial artist, now too bunged up to run or fight mano-a-mano. I just got certified as an NRA firearms and personal protection instructor. That beats being a K-Mart greeter if I ever retire.

I realize that some people are "place bound' by family and friends, but if you are not, try this in your search for a new home (and take gun laws in to consideration): http://www.bestplaces.net/

 

[springmom]

Keep in mind, "Old age and treachery will triumph over youth and skill."

Sounds like you're a great example of this.

Springmom

 

[FCFC]

Excellent Post

I enjoyed the wisdom and good humor in your post about a very serious subject, Carl L.

Somehow, I think you'll be A-OK in any situation that comes up. I pity the fool who tangles with you...


Greek proverb: Old age and treachery will overcome youth and skill.

 

[Carl Levitian]

owlhoot, I wish I lived in a nice small town. I live in a northern suburb of Washington D.C. Germantown Maryland is a comuters bedroom community for the big city, and in the last 20 years has grown to a big city itself. We have street crime, car jackings, assaults, the whole enchillada.

At 67 its not really possable to move away from family, close friends of more than 40 years, to a place where we don't know anyone. By the law of statistics, I have about a decade left if I'm lucky, so I may as well stay. Besides, we (the better half and myself) are deeply involved in local activities. We do volunteer work at the National zoo in D.C., my Izzak Walton Leaque range is only 15 miles up the road, and I'm used to the doctors I have at the V.A hospital where I'm an outpatient. And I know all the best fishing holes in the area. Something not to be taken lightly.

I can only feel deep envy at the people who live ina ccw state, I don't think I will ever see it in my lifetime in the Peoples Republick Of Maryland.

We have looked at places in South Carolina, Florida, and when we get there its nice, but it's not home. At least it does not feel like it. heck, I was born here, I'll probably have my ashes scattered on the Chesapeake where I've spent so much of my life.

My post was not so much of a what to do, as just a reflection of things changing as one gets older. Some nieghbors and I have a nieghborhood watch, and we get together twice a week for stick practice down a basement. It's fun, and it makes us feel a little empowered. Being a big urban/suburban area does offer the side benifit of having a diverse population, and in our group of grey wolves we have a Sikh, a imigrant from Kenya who is a Masai, and a Korean, all who have contributed some interesting stick techniques to add to the old pugil stick and Fairbain techniques we old vets have.

If I go out, it may as well be while trying to bury the butt end of my minimag, or Cross pen, in some punks mastoid gland.

"Old age ain't for the faint of heart."

 

[sm]

Work it baby - work it! - Lady Partner

I am over 50.
I inherited bad knees, and add being an active fella, and some "accidents", and folks just accepted my hobbling , using a cane and even crutches.
Both knees are better than ever after having double knee surgery many years ago.

Before my surgery I had to spend some time in a Correction Facility.
I was asked to be a Speaker and of course I am asked to speak to the really hardcore ladies and gents.

Now I had been in the place for other work related needs, so I knew the drill.
You ain't getting in with 'nuttin'.
And this was folks being brought into interview places and the like.

These speaking engagements are going to be held "over there" in the "real risky area".

My knees were doing fine.
Screw the ego, male macho and whatever else.
I showed up with my weak knee wrapped and crutches.

I get two nice, but tough seasoned Correction Ladies as my Escorts.
I would have normally only had one, or even been handed off going through gates.
Nuh-huh. I am a young male and one has not lived until they are in a Ladies hardcore section and cat-calls, "offers", and ...trust me, ladies can be downright rude, crude and naughty.
"I ain't had a fella since I stabbed my boyfriend" .

Oh yeah, I really wanna party with that one...

Correction Officers are not dumb.
"You are being cautious and want two escorts" these ladies asked.
"You betcha! Its working ain't it?" - I replied.

So for six weeks, one day a week, I was the fella with bandaged weak knee, crutches and two very nice, attractive ladies but seasoned Correction Officers.

I pulled the same deal speaking to the Gents group for 4 visits.
I was 30, 31 at the time. There was some folks in there that did not like me, or mine.


This works for getting the cute young gal to carry groceries out to your car as well.
My lady partner ran next door at a drug store while I stood in line to check out and pard was going to come right back and take out the groceries.

I was actually hurt this time, and needed the crutches ( which is a real bear with cracked ribs, and the bruised face did not feel very good either).
I checked out and the cute gal did not ask, just snagged groceries and lady partner sees her carrying them out.
Pard laughed.

Work it baby - work it! - Lady Partner

*grin*

 

[armedandsafe]

I live in one of those small, quiet towns. I carry my P85 or my Dan Wesson with me all the time, taking it off only when going on school property (still part time for the school district.) However, I still carry my bird's head cane and at least one clip on knife with me. At 69 with a back I broke in '60 and bad joints, I'm not going to be using any fancy moves.

A friend of mind was once discussing the difference between himself and me. He was ex Marine Force Recon, 6' 4", 280 pounds and pretty rugged looking. He said, "I'll yell and scream at you. I'll wave my arms about a lot. I'll try my best to pound you into a pulp. Now, Pops, here, he'll just kill you and still be smiling."

It is nice to have an image, but don't count on it working all the time. Be ready for the guy too dumb to recognise a deadly decision.

Pops

 

[sm]

A friend of mind was once discussing the difference between himself and me. He was ex Marine Force Recon, 6' 4", 280 pounds and pretty rugged looking. He said, "I'll yell and scream at you. I'll wave my arms about a lot. I'll try my best to pound you into a pulp. Now, Pops, here, he'll just kill you and still be smiling."

Key points my friend.

SouthNarc refers to Signals letting one know they are about to be taken down.

-One is wise to know signals, telegraphing the intent of the criminal(s) , to take you down.

-One is wise to NOT telegraph themselves in defending themselves.

One of our best natural resources are our older members of society.
These ladies and gents may not move as fast as they once did, still they have lived a lot longer, seen a lot more, and heard a lot more than those that have not lived as long.

There should be more "blending" of the generations today, as we used to have when I was coming up.
The sad reality is, young folks do not want to be mentored now-a-days, as they can "buy skill and targets".

Watch a 70 year old lady or gent shoot IDPA, Bulls-Eye, Benchrest, Skeet, Trap, Sporting clays...
They are poetry in motion.
One does not see any telegraphing of what they are going to do, they just do it, and do not have any wasted motions.

Too many years ago a nice older couple from Russia, shared things with older folks like themselves and kids. Oh some others younger learned too, just the generation gap was that evident. The older folks and the grandkids were the ones "wanting it".

Just everyday normal stuff, like an umbrella, newspaper, magazine, Etch-a-Sketch, cane, crutch, toy truck, doll, stuffed toy animal, purse, diaper bag, Snoopy Fishing rod and Reel...

Two Russian Jews, she a doctor, he a researcher, and both had fled Russia as little kids.
Not very big, but they had willingness and they cared.
I used to show up and be their live dummy they and others beat up on.
I miss them two.

She and I used to do the "Dirty old Man " bit from Laugh In.
I was the "young dirty old man" and she was Ruth Buzzy, beating me about the head and body with a umbrella, purse, or whatever, sitting on a park bench.

We were supposed to be serious , still sometimes we got really silly, due to Laugh In skit.
Her husband and others liked that show, and that skit.

Older folks that used to , that cannot not longer do. It hurts to not be as one once was.
The fear of not being as Independent is real, the fear of helplessness is real.

My mom is 78, she used to toss footballs, play catch with baseballs, and play basketball. She played on a girls Basketball team when in school.
She used to walk up to 5 miles a day.

Peri phial Neurpathy in both feet, and she has a hard time walking some days.
She cannot open some jars, and other containers.
How many cans of tuna fish that woman has opened all these years and she has this look when her hands would not work one day and the can opener on the counter and a can of tuna.
She cried.

"Hey mom, you have opened enough of them cans, here, I gotcha something".
I said.
Tuna in Easy Tear Folks packs, and a safety letter "zip" opener.
I open stuff, and put into containers easier for her to use.

Acceptance is the key.

My mom cannot physically defend herself. I know this, mom knows this.
It just took mom longer to accept this.

Denial is strong.

One of my mom's oldest and best friend died. When mom came to the bigger city at age 15 she met some other girls, and they shared a boarding room.
Mom lost one of her best friends.
This gal and mom went to the same church for 40 years, until that church closed.
They have done things since they were 15 , almost 16 years old.

Her friend went to get some items from the drug store. She had good purse with a good strap, and this strap was over the head and across the body.
She was parked "right there" with handicapped hang tag.

The punk was in a dead run when he ran up, and grabbed that purse strap , which held.
The Punk did not get the purse, he failed, and kept running.
She went down, and hard, and head injuries resulted in her death that night.

She was in her early 60's when she died. This happened so fast, and it was done.
I mean folks watching, could not react fast enough.

I cannot get mom to use her cane, she is getting better since a doctor fussed at her.
I have been able to get her to accept the fact, she cannot do what she once did.
I will run errands, and I will take her places to run errands.
She has places she can go, that are safer.
Practiced plans , go better at times than others, like if she feels creepy, to pull into a fire station, or a lot where a cop is and lay on the horn.

Drug Store can bring her her meds, instead of going after them.

This is not easy for an older person to "give up some freedom" or "feel less independent".

I remind her of her one of her best friends, that died "right there" , just out the front door and the second parking place for handicapped, that went to get some meds and "felt like getting out and looking around" that day.
One of the things her friend bought, was cards.
One card was for my mom, as these two sent cards just for the heck up it.

I know what that card is, as the ladies daughter told me.
Mom does not know I know and I respect mom enough to not let her know I know.

Spiritual Card , with flowers, birds and the Serenity Prayer.

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
To change the things I can
The Wisdom to know the difference

 

[Titan6]

Being sneaky and underhanded is the order of the day. Honor goes out the window. Embrace the low blow or sudden gut stab from nowhere.

With age, comes treachery. An old person can't afford to be forgiving. When you find yourself at the back of the herd, there's noplace to go but down.

When fighting for your life the only honor is in winning. Seems you live in the rule of the jungle instead of the rule of law and society.

How it is we have come full circle on this is a bitter paradox of modern society. The more that we allow government to displace immediate family, kin and tribe as the providers of general safety, health and welfare the less safe certain segments such as the very young and very old become.

In past centuries and even now in "primitive" cultures many tribal/clan cultures elders are respected and have built a decent enough following of kinsmen and descendants that are favorably disposed towards them. This allows them to live in relative safety in comfort well past their peak and prime and even in to elder years. One did not target an elder for fear of seeking the wrath of the entire clan.

Not that this was a tried and true defense against everything but; if you were a McCoy and wanted to kill or rob the senior Hatfield you were less likely to risk the whole clan to go the distance. Your own elders might disagree and have you shunned. The nameless were generally already shunned and knew what they faced by taking on a senior and so were driven away.

With the disolve of the close family resource rich elders are now left to fend on their own for safety, except now family poor. I am not sure if this is better.

 

[theken206]

SM, i cant tell you how much ive enjoyed and for that matter learned and reaffirmed my thoughts and beliefs from your post on here.

you sir could fill a book with old school truths and wisdoms that I for one would read.

maybe its the old fogey whos been around the block once or twice and is still around to tell about it factor or something

 

[macadore]

Going out to the post office, grocery store, mall, or whatever, one finds onself looking at almost everyone much younger than yourself as being a potential enemy.

No no no. Paranoia is unhealthy. I am as old and stove up as you are and I do not see young people as a threat. I spent much of my life working at a university and I like young people.

I grew up in a dysfunctional boom town and have been beat on more times than I can remember. One more won’t do much more damage. In my youth I depended on my brain more than anything else. It is much better tuned than it was 40 years ago. My testosterone levels have dropped so I no longer have anything to prove to myself or anyone else. At the same time, I recognize testosterone poisoning in others and know how to defuse it. While some people have run their mouths in my general direction, no one has tried to hurt me since 1968. It does not bother me to say, “Sorry, I misunderstood. How can I make it right?” That beats saying, “I do solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God”. It is a lot cheaper too.

I never carry unless I am with my family because I am not worried about what might happen to me. If I die, well, I’ve been moving toward that since I was born. If you are really afraid of the people around you, then have my sympathy. If I missed your humor, I apologize.

 

[sm]

A wise person will say :" I do not know , teach me."
A fool will broadcast : "I know everything, just ask me." -Mentors.

Maturity is not age dependent.
The goal is to become more "dumb" as one journey's through life.

Human being's by nature know everything about everything when they are younger.
Just ask a young teenager, they will tell you they do!

Predators will prey on those that broadcast on those persons that know everything.
Predators know, the human computer, can only process so much data at a time in the functioning of the human computer.

The young and cocky, relying on magic talismans, get taken down.
The mindset is on the physical things, not predators.

The old fool, that has become more "dumb" with age, does not get taken down.
Why?

Because that old fool is carrying themselves in the manner they are.
Oh they might be hobbling, using a cane, still they are paying attention.
They have no problem if someone opens a door for them.
Which is a nice thing for a older person to see being done.

Folks raised with manners open doors for a lady and hold her chair as she takes her seat.
It is not that the lady cannot open a door, or sit down without assistance, it is the manners and how raised of the person doing these things instead.

Out of courtesy and respect folks hold doors for elderly or those using a cane , walker or in a wheelchair.
Or hit the "handicapped access" door open button.

A blind person does not need someone running up to assist them crossing the street.
It is polite courtesy , one showing manners and how raised if they do.
The proper way to do this is to approach slowly, as the blind have increased sense of hearing , and smell since they do not have sight, and in a calm , pleasant tone-

I am here, the street is busy and the light does not seem to working, how may I assist?

If the blind chooses to let you assist, they will share with you how they wish to be assisted. Often times they offer the elbow, and you gently use your hand cupped to assist them as they use their cane with the other hand.

They will ask you to use the numbers on a clock, to assist them in where something is, such as "lady with baby stroller 2o'clock". They will ask you to communicate ahead of time any obstacles-
"We are going to step up/down a curb". in about 4 more steps..."

The blind are not handicapped, or defenseless, they are simply limited physically in the ability to see.
Just as a person is being older and limited physically with the ability to run, or jump, or any other physical activity.

A 15 year old with a broken leg in a cast, and having to use crutches is physically limited as well.

Sometimes that 15 year old is humbled, or was raised right with manners, and they do not get offended if a door is opened for them.
Predators pick up on things like this when they are looking for prey.

Now a 15 year old that knows everything, is easier Prey for Predators.
As broadcasting you know everything and copping an attitude " I can get the door, I am not some old fart!"
"Leave me alone, I can do it, I am not handicapped!" is exactly what the Predator is looking for .


Watch someone that uses a wheelchair as they have a way of carrying themselves, projecting being aware, alert, thinking many steps ahead, and are sincere, appreciative and have a sense of humor.
They are quite courteous to others, even those not physically limited in any way.

They will see someone approaching a door, maybe with a arm full of something, or carrying a baby, pushing a stroller and wheel over and punch the "handicapped access" button to open a door.

I know some that are downright funny, here they come zipping toward me and others and "coming through, make a hole" and we hit the door opener and they zip on in.
Just a fun thing, heck some are racing others, or trying to break a time record "racing" in from a distance.
WE have been known to wave "checkered flags", or "call the race"
"Suzy is going to draft John , can she take 'em on the turn..."


Defensive Example.

A older person will exit their vehicle and enter a store and stop and ask "where are your shopping baskets?

A person in a wheelchair will enter a store and and ask where the handbaskets are.

Why?

The fool will say : "hey you idiot, they are right there, can't you see?"
or "Gee whiz you darn old fart, you have been in this store a thousand times, don't you know by now!"

Why?
Because they are checking six, scanning, as they might have not felt comfortable with someone outside , or hanging around the front door , and they want to see if they are being followed in, and sized up.

The folks outside were not smokers, they may of had a cigarette in hand, or mouth, but they are not smokers.
These elderly , wheelchair may be smokers, they may used to smoke and have quit, or never did smoke.
It does not matter, what does matter, is they know what a smoker actually has for mannerisms and those persons outside the door, at the entrance are not smokers.

These older folks and wheelchair bound folks, do not have a problem with ego asking a "dumb" question, such as where are the shopping carts and hand-baskets .

I am over age 50, and I can read, and I know where the restrooms are in a store I shop at.
I do not have a problem asking where the restrooms are.
When I did, the employee looked behind me and knew, I was asking for a reason.
I did not like what was outside and had come inside the store.
Practiced plans and "eyes up front" went into effect even more than they normally are.

Signals.
My signal to her, I did not like what had entered that business.
These young folks, picked up on all those eyes on them and left.
It was that obvious, we had targeted the Predators.



A wise person strives to be dumb as a brick - Mentors

 

[Old Guy]

My title says it all!

73 in October, yes an old Guy.

Fit old guy, shoot IDPA, use a Glock 19, the same model I carry every day, end up in the middle of the pack at most matches, my goal in life? to be happy every day, to enjoy life with my Wife, and our being together most of every day.

The post of the Lady being dragged down and dieing? very sad, it does not happen a lot, but it happens, so protect your loved one at all times, walking around to open the door on the Jeep, yes good manners, but most importantly, you have cleared the way, people and ground surface have been analyzed, you then do what you always do, hold a hand, watch for an elbow hitting the door jam, holding hand (my left one) walking to the Pancake House, holding the door, it is not hard to do, and you do not have to be paranoid, but don't be oblivious either.

Don't look down when passing anyone! what you do not see you can not deal with.

Our local Supermarket, Publix, on one of our shopping days had 3 young men walking about, no cart, no baskets, pants down to their knees, heads wrapped.

They seemed to want to act cocky, but just looked uncomfortable, I watched the watchers, the young people did not look at them at all, the older guys did! You can not deal with threats by pretending they do not exist. They left as they entered, empty handed, did not pick anything up, bought nothing. My Wife? she noticed nothing.

A good exercise to make you really happy first thing in the morning, tap you toe three times on the deck, if you are on it, and not under it, you are batting a thousand.

 

[rainbowbob]

The punk was in a dead run when he ran up, and grabbed that purse strap , which held.

This makes me wonder if those purses and bags with over-the-shoulder retention straps are a bad idea. Better to lose the purse to a hit-and-run snatcher than to be injured or killed.

EDIT:
Let me make it clear...I don't carry a purse I was thinking of the women in my life.

 

[Arc-Lite]

Thanks guys for a good honest read and wise words...I am older then Israel, but do remember that the alternative, is not yet acceptable.... all the time in the past...when I broke this body it was fixable... then this past July I broke the head of the humerus, the scapula (shoulder blade) and both ends of the clavicle (collarbone) and the inside of the other clavicle, tore all the muscles and tendons, and ruptured the rotartor cuff, plus a half dozen ribs, concussion, some vision loss....etc.... went to the "pros" and was told, manyy times, it was not fixable... meds were their answer, and it was not an answer to me... after a short time, it was clear, that my future and its quality...was within MY hands.... so with what I still had, the toning began. One of the first thing I did, was refresh my love of rifles.... and picked up a 45-70, for future sail sea kayak outings, and now am doing 200- 900 meter shots,(no not with the 45-70) it hurts...but hey, sometimes life has a bite.... I see the young half panted kids, and they see me, and so far most have had the wisdom, to know, any fight, has many rounds... no matter where you are, or how learned you might be, or your blessing of all the past birthdays.... your still here, life changes and goes on..... keep your faith in yourself, your in good company.

 

[macmuffy]

When you can see the green of the grass and not the brown underside of it, The rest of the day is fixable.

Learn from your elders. Pay heed to their wisdom.

Not a "senior" as such, but getting very close.

 

[Guns and more]

I'm not far behind. [N]ever give up.

 

[sm]

History is a great teacher, if one chooses to pay attention and listen.

-I grew up with Veterans of Wars, and Polio Victims.
-We had mom and pop stores, and many of these owners lived upstairs of the small business they had.
-Times were tough, not everyone had a car, and most families only had one vehicle.
-Blue Laws , meaning stores were not open on Sunday
-Stores were not open 24/7/52
-Folks knew neighbors, assisted one another, and planned trips to get items needed.
-Folks used catalogs from Montgomery Ward and Sears Roebuck to shop, and have things delivered to homes.


*We have an aging society and the number of older folks in society will increase.
*The economy is not great.
* Gasoline is a concern.
* Just like yesteryear, we have returning Vets from War, that have physical limitations, some temporary, some permanent.
* Folks cannot walk across huge parking lots, and in malls, or large stores.


WE up and done became spoiled rotten with Progress!
Ungrateful bunch of selfish persons in Society thinking "me, me, me".


We just had a mall close, it has been dead for years! Only one store was doing any business. The ground has been leveled, it is no more.
That one store was J.C.Penny, and they informed me, and others how much their catalog sales, and Internet sales had increased over the recent years.

Adjacent to where this mall used to be, is another mall , it is dead too.
One store is trying to keep that mall "carried" but one can go in, even during the holidays and shoot a shotgun in their at times and you would not hit anyone.

It ain't safe! Folks cannot do those parking lots, and they cannot walk all that distance.
They sure as heck are not going to waste time and gas "gawking" as their is not selection of anything worth having.

New center opened and is "old school" blending with some "new school".
Round-a-bouts enable traffic to flow.
Each store is separate, or only a few together like a Mom & Pop store.
Park in front, get out, enter, and done.

Internet shopping is encouraged, and some have "personal shoppers" for folks that would appreciate some assistance.
Heck some open early just for older persons, or those limited physically.

Someone paid attention, I will admit, I shared my take, many years ago before this center even came to be.

Bring back what worked, that allowed older folks, and those with limitations to shop and be safe about it.

I am dead serious, the Dollar Stores near neighborhoods around here are doing booming business.
More are being built.
My mom goes to one. She not only can park at the door, she is assisted carrying item to her vehicle parked in handicapped.
She was shocked to see the prices were LESS that what she paid other places folks often speak of going to get things.


Mom has a Mom & Pop grocery store near her. She is not even at the door, before someone holds it open.
You don't have to ask for your groceries to be carried out either, they do this, for everyone, period.
This store will deliver groceries to customers they know. Just a special courtesy they extend.
I have this worked out for mom, in case she gets down.
Oh the meat is great! If mom wants one pork chop, she can buy one pork chop.
Produce section is nice, real nice!
No big deal to ask if they have 1/2 of a honey dew, or canteloupe. This store tries to keep this out, and they will run back, cut one, let mom , anyone view it, and buy just 1/2 of one.


Sure we had crime back in the day, still some Strategy & Tactics are more part of how it used to be.

Mom went to a mom and pop hardware store.
Oh I like these places!
Anyway mom was not feeling well, still out and stopped by.
Well a hardware store employee had just taken something out for a customer and held the door for mom as she hobbled in.

"How may I assist?" employee asked.
"I need some of these and however I am supposed to fit "this" " mom says with this stuff in a sack. *lol*

I like old hardware stores, they know what "this" is off of, how to fix "that" and if you get some of "them" to fix it like "so" .

Now mom sits on her butt, at the nice comfy bench at the front, while the employee goes to attend to all this.
Mom did not feel like looking around.

The popcorn is free, and this lady hands her a bag and here is a "Coca-Cola".
Basically this machine is stocked with Coca Cola, or Dr. Pepper, regular, no diet and they were out of Dr. Pepper.

Mom will just pay for the Coke when she pays for "this" , "that" and "thems".
She stays seated, pays seated, get change seated and when she is finished fiddling around putting up money and receipts, the employee assists her getting up, out the door and to her car.

A criminal "could" target mom and all this, still there is much easier prey at that place with a large parking lot, and the ijits that don't know a hammer from a bowling ball.

Work smarter not harder.

These little mom and pops have some advantages, and one is being safer .

 

[pioneer461]

From one senior to another, move to Florida and get a gun.

 

[sm]

Last edited by Lee Lapin : Yesterday at 08:46 PM. Reason: 8^)

Lee,
Your mom does that too-huh? *grin*

In my defence, I am only 53 years old. Still according to AARP I have been a senior since I was 38 years old, as they starting bugging me about that time and I started having a real good time informing them I was not interested.




That would have a whole lot easier to type if I could have worded it the way I really wanted to.

Then again if Denny's just automatically figures the Senior Discount, who am I to argue? *I play dumb real good*

I don't look my age, and for sure don't act it!

I have razzed my mom, that by the time she hands over her purse to a mugger, the mugger is going to be out of the mood to take the darn thing.

Mom has these small purses, she really really likes and they do not make anymore.
I still get reminded to "use that Internet Stuff" to find her one.

Mom does not carry much stuff, and then there are times, she just carries a small wallet and keys.

It is great to be the eldest son...mom might argue on this...

I got her an exact duplicate, of one she carries. I mean exact.
WE are going to run some errands, me driving, and taking her places and of course, mom is going to the restroom before we leave.
I knew this...
She is ready to go, then "just a second, I have to run to the restroom".

So her little wallet is on the table and I switch them.
I also know she is going to look inside her purse, wallet "one more time" before she heads out the door.

Mom might have a bit of trouble walking, but the gal can still jump straight up just a wittle bit and she still has this mom way of going Steeeeeve!.

In my defence I just wanted the old gal to be awake, alert and ready to run errands.

It worked.

*innocent wittle boy wook*



Out and about, not carrying a purse and a small wallet in her casual pants front pocket, she looks less like prey, confident, alert, "with it" and "has her act together".

There is no purse to attract attention, to run and snatch, or to see her getting into, or out of.

I have gotten her to use a Debit card, instead of using personal checks.

One ploy, involves not so honest honest employees, with boy friends, girlfriends or just running buddies, targeting old folks.

-Write a check, and the store policy is to see DL or some other ID, and to get a phone number.

So one is wise to not use SSN (social security number) for DL or any other ID.
Still the address and phone is on that check.
The employee has "cased you" or "sized you up".

Now before Internet, there were business directories used by business for legit uses.
One could find persons by name, address, phone number and place of employment.
Criminals would steal these, or dishonest employees would use these.

With Internet, this same type of information can be accessed by anyone, honest , legit, or one criminal.
Easy, just case someone, run them down as to where they live and commit criminal acts


I had mom order new checks without her phone number on them. She obtained a cell phone and gives that number when asked for a phone number.
She has since had a unlisted number installed, as the "do not call list" was not working and folks would call. Some again.
Even if she answered, said "no" and hung up, these callers heard a Old Lady answer and ...let us be honest, older folks are like kids, they parallel each other in so many ways, and some are , Fear Uncertainty and Doubt (FUD), Scare Tactics, Pulling Heart Strings, Impressionable and Impulsive.

I am not being disrespectful.
A kid will see a cereal advertised while watching cartoons and "that is my favorite cereal!"
The kid has never tried it, but they have to have that cereal.

Older folks get "marketed" the same way. Arthritis meds for example.
Now when Arthur Show up with Father Time and Mother Nature, it flat hurts and is painful.

Man, they remember when they could do things and look at that old person on TV, one minute they are crippled up, and the next out working in the garden " I gotta have some of that!"

So a automatic dialer calls mom's land line at home, she answers and if a live person picks it up, they "case" mom by listening to a older female voice. Mom says "no", and hangs up.
Now mom's number gets kicked into the "old ladies file" of automatic dialers.

This is done if one ever says "yes" to a charity, your number will be given to other charities.

Oh, ladies, don't yell at me, still if you use a answering machine, get a male to record "Please leave a message at the sound of the beep".

I do not even recommend a male voice recording "You have reached 555-5555, please leave a message".
If folks know you, they will contact you one way or another. I see no need to give out anymore information than needed on a land line.

Those tips are important...
Now back to my 78 year old mom...*wink*


Mom has her debit card out of that wallet, sometimes I carry it for her.
Nobody ever sees her little wallet being taken out, anything being removed, or put back in.
There is no address and the phone is a cell number. So if criminals call, to see if she is home, or not, to commit crimes, they don't know where mom is.
She can handle such calls in a "defensive manner".


Now some stores want to see an ID when presenting a Debit Card / Credit Card.

Oh you folks are going to die laughing as to what I came up with!
*sneaky grin*

Mom will put that Debit Card and DL in a little "credit card" holder, I mean a really slim one.
One she has a clear plastic to see the DL.

I stuck a small band-aid , with part of the wrapper still attached over her address.

I went ahead and did this to the DL itself, in case they asked for it to be removed.

"I have grandkids and you know how they are, and I keep band aids for boo-boos". *lol*

It works! Especially with older sales persons and those running a register that have kids, raised kids and have grandkids.
Parents and grandparents keep band-aids in wallets and purses.

All they need to "see" is mom's picture, name, maybe signature.
The address and the rest is not needed, and none of their dad-blamed business!

Yes, they can still case mom, and find out where she lives, but they are going to have to expend some time and effort to do so.

There are easier prey, this sounds awful, tacky, selfish, still "distance" is your friend, and the more distance you put between evil, no matter what this "distance" is, the better your chances of not being targeted or being a victim.


Lipstick is a great "tool" for ladies.
How many ladies, has a had kid get into the purse, and mess with that lipstick and it ended up on a Wallet, or on the clear plastic where a DL is visible, or the darn brat just decided to write on DLs, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Employee Badges?

"Oh you have kids?" - clerk.
"Yes I do. Was it the lipstick on the purse, the gum stuck to my pen, or the band-aid stuck on my DL that tipped you off? - a mom.


Think out of the box.