What is a senior citizen do to protect themselves?

I don't carry anything of real value except a cell phone and a few dollars + a credit card when I go out and I do do my shopping in a particularly hairy neighborhood. I also am very aware of my surroundings and have that look about me that I know what I am doing. I grew up in a neighborhood that was as dangerous as Beirut during the insurrection. I have been approached but never assaulted.

If someone is determined to get in while you're gone, then there's not much you can do. Thankfully, I have great neighbors and we all watch out for each other. I'm often gone for 3 to 5 days at a time, and don't worry too much about my home.

All my life I have been collecting WW2 rifles from around the world. These are kept in concealed safes. However, I do have a few hidden in the house and garage. If I need to directly confront an intruder, I am prepared. Of course, everyone must first take a firearms safety class and know exactly what they're getting into when making this decision. As for myself, no one ever gave me anything. My taxes go for giving other people things. And no one is going to take all that I have worked for.

I don't feel this particular age group should be targeted. But any who might have vision, or reflex problems. I would expect that any short person would be tested, to make sure they could even see above the dashboard. I wouldn't just limit to a driving test. But also to a printed test for all to know the basic rules of the highway and city streets, and their posted signs for the speed limits, and instructions, of allowing 'u turns' or whatever. There are bad drivers in any age group. So don't limit just to elderly seniors. There are many younger who also need to be tested and re tested as time goes on.

If possible get to know your neighbors and watch out for each other. My neighbor's side-door to his garage was being kicked in a few years ago and his neighbor down the street heard it and called the police for him, kept them from breaking in and taking everything. Also good to have one of those sticks that jam the door and fit under the doorknob to make it harder to kick in. That's what I have on my side-door and keep a padlock on the garage door too.

There was a neighborhood a couple miles from here that thieves were targeting. They would back a moving van into the driveway while the residents were gone and clean out their home filling up the van, including patio furniture. One neighbor across the street saw the van and assumed the neighbors were moving out and didn't call the police. It's good to get to know your neighbors to prevent such things from happening.

You mean 'What should' or 'What can' not 'What is'. Your questions does not make sense in the way you present it.

The only way that we can protect ourselves is to keep windows and doors closed, particularly when we go out, use a door chain before opening the door. Never invite salesmen etc. in to our home unless we have another person present. When out be very careful where we put our wallet etc. (never perch it on top of the shopping in the bag). Don't keep house keys with anything that has the house address on it. If we do and our bag is stolen they will have our address and the keys to get in there.

Anything that is stolen should be reported to the police immediately. The sooner they know, and the circumstances surrounding the theft, the more likelihood there is of the thief being caught.

Don't live in high crime areas. There are fine retirement communities in small towns everywhere, within walking distance of a variety of stores, libraries and churches. bike and scooter paths, a much slower pace and no gangs except for the retirees who invade their favorite coffee and bakery shop in the morning and in the afternoon.

They said on TV just last night, don't answer your door for anyone you don't know, and always remember that if it seems like a good deal, its a scam, because nothing is good anymore.

When you see some of the things that are done to seniors it makes you want to vote NO for gun control.

The old saying that there's a sucker born every minute doesn't apply to infants feeding at their mothers breast. If you can't recognize a scam when it's presented, then you need to turn your affairs over to a competent family member.

We live on the 3rd floor of a secure apartment building. Only way in, is to ring our intercom and ask to come in. We're good at saying "no thanks". UNless a cat burglar is active in our neighborhood, we're safe.

get a colt or Smith and Wesson. be ready to protect one's life and property. better to be judged by twelve than be carried by six.