| While I was driving along the other day, I happened | | | | spray lipstick case, and the pepper spray ring to |
| to see a city bus stopped to let off a passenger. | | | | name just a few. |
| Down the bus steps very shakily stepped a man | | | | There are other types of mobile security devices |
| about 80 or so years old. As I watched him assemble | | | | that are suitable for the elderly as well and these |
| his package and his cane, etc., I thought to | | | | include but are not limited to stun guns, tasers, stun |
| myself-now here is a prime target for an assailant- | | | | batons, and personal security alarms to name a few. |
| he can barely handle everything and he's shaky and | | | | Perhaps the easiest to use is the mobile personal |
| unsteady. Isn't that exactly what criminals look for? | | | | security alarm. They also come in a variety of shapes |
| Of course they are looking for those who can't | | | | and sizes which include key chain alarms and personal |
| defend themselves and who are vulnerable. But do | | | | alarms. These are easier for elderly to use in that |
| they have to stand victims? | | | | they are usually activated by pulling a pin out of the |
| These days there are multiple types of personal | | | | alarm depending on the alarm. Since a lot of elderly |
| security devices that can be kept on the person for | | | | have a variety of difficulties to include dexterity and |
| just those times when we find ourselves faced with | | | | mobility affected by age, these are simple devices |
| an assailant. For anyone elderly, my first pick would | | | | for use, designed to call attention to a situation by a |
| be pepper spray, as it is so easy to use and can be | | | | loud high decibel alarm. This is usually a great |
| kept on a key chain, in the pocket, or wherever the | | | | deterrent to an assailant preying on an elderly victim. |
| person feels it is most handy to get to in a hurry! | | | | For the more aggressive elderly, there are small |
| Pepper spray when sprayed at the attacker's face, | | | | compact size stun guns. Stun guns come packed to |
| causes the veins in the eyes to swell and the eyes | | | | offer the assailant a high voltage "stun" designed to |
| shut. It also causes the mucous membranes to swell | | | | drop the assailant's blood sugar and thus inhibit his |
| which causes the assailant to have difficulty | | | | movement and energy allowing the elder to get to |
| breathing. These effects can last 45 minutes or more | | | | safety and call for help. Stun guns come in a variety |
| which is plenty of time for that elderly person to call | | | | of shapes and sizes-even designed to look like a cell |
| for help as well as move out of the crime area. | | | | phone. Carried in grandma's purse until needed, they |
| Pepper spray is also versatile in that it comes in a | | | | offer another great means for an elderly man or |
| variety of shapes and packaging. There is the pepper | | | | woman to have security and protection while out. |
| spray pen, the pepper spray key chain, the pepper | | | | |