Self Defense for Grandma

I read a story today about teaching elderly people self defense.

Attacks on elderly people don’t happen much, but that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t learn to defend themselves. Thankfully, across the country there are elderly people in nursing homes learning to use their canes. But they’re not just using them for walking. Now they can use them for self defense.

I think that teaching the elderly self defense is great. The likelihood of them actually being attacked is pretty slim, but it could happen. When it does, those who have been trained to use their canes will be better off than those who haven’t.

But it isn’t just the ability to protect themselves that I find great. I think it is just wonderful that they are getting exercise. The mock battles and cane fights helps their hearts and lungs to function better. Plus, the battles require them to use their heads and keep their minds active. This is very important for all of us the older we get.

One of the greatest benefits though is that the elderly are gaining self confidence through these exercises, as well as a feeling of usefulness. These fun mock battles really make the elderly feel as though they could contribute and help someone. They realize that they aren’t as helpless as they have been told.

Though the elderly are being taught to use their canes to defend themselves, they are also reminded to not go beyond their health limitations.

This story has reminded me that self defense is important at all ages.