Most criminals like to target elderlies because they are viewed as weaker and more vulnerable. Well, it’s probably time to break the stereotype. Most seniors are taking charge, no longer content on relying on external help to offer protection. Learn some of the most commonly used self-defense weapons for elderlies:

Cane
Elderlies who use canes don’t realize that they have a very effective self-defense weapon right in the palm of their hand. A cane, usually made with wood or some other lightweight material, can be used to parry an attack or to go on the offensive.

Although a cane can be used to make multiple blows or thrusts, certain situations may allow a person only one strike. When using a cane, it’s important to hit your attacker where it will hurt them most. Hitting someone and failing to overcome them will only anger them and expose you to more danger.

Pepper spray
A can of pepper spray can be a convenient self-defense weapon for elderlies. It’s lightweight, easy to carry and use and can be very effective. It only works within a short range, however, so it’s important to aim well.

When using pepper spray, it pays to be well acquainted with this weapon. If you aren’t careful, pepper sprays can sting not just your attacker but you as well. Spray in the direction of the wind or if that’s not possible, directly in the eyes or mouth of your attacker.

Taser
A taser can be a very powerful self-defense weapon for seniors. It’s a handheld device, quite lightweight and is battery-operated. Most units are rechargeable so they are more efficient and trustworthy. What they do is emit short bursts of electricity to shock and disable an attacker.

Like the pepper spray, the taser will also work well if you know how to use it. Try to practice aiming with it. If you don’t hit your attacker, the taser won’t work.

A taser is also known as a stun gun.

Kubotan or yawara-bo
This self-defense weapon is very useful for elderlies. It’s small, lightweight and easy to conceal and carry. It’s usually made of wood, metal, PVC or some other strong material. It is about 5 to 5 ½ inches long, fits in the hand and is shaped like a pen. It may be used to hit an attacker in certain pressure points where he is vulnerable.

The kubotan is often best when wielded using certain martial arts techniques. Try to familiarize yourself with the body’s pressure points so you’ll know where.

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A taser or stun gun can be a very powerful and effective self-defense weapon if used properly. It can temporarily disable an attacker and prevent bodily harm on the user. Unlike its predecessor, the pepper spray, the taser doesn’t contaminate the air and if used properly, doesn’t produce any discomfort on the user. Here are safe ways to use a taser in case of an emergency:

Learn how to wield the weapon.
It might look like some prop used in a Star Trek movie set but the taser is a real weapon. In fact, it is used by many law enforcers to control and prevent unruly criminals.

If you want to use the taser safely, know what it is and how it works. Find out what its stopping power is and any safety features. It comes with a user’s manual so use that as a reference.

Practice using it but avoid aiming at other people or animals. Use a stuffed pillow or anything that won’t be physically harmed during your rehearsal. The key here is to become familiar with your weapon. If you aren’t used to wielding it, you will be too nervous to use it properly when the need arises.

Know the maximum shooting distance.
A taser will only work if the needles or prongs come in contact with the attacker. Most tasers can work for up to 12 or 15 feet. However, safety experts say that the user should fire at an ideal distance of at least 5 feet – 7 feet max. The farther away the target is, the more difficult it will be for the user to hit the it.

Make a spark test.
Prior to carrying your taser, conduct a simple spark test. This will determine whether the gun is in working condition or not.

Know where to aim.
The best part of the body to aim at is the torso or any area from the hips to the lower part of the neck. This is where the effect of the taser will be experienced in full.

If all else fails.
Don’t always rely on the taser to get you out of a dangerous situation. Have a good plan B to protect yourself. The taser is a device that might malfunction so you need to have another way to escape or prevent any physical injury to yourself.

Make sure it’s legal.
As a final tip to use a taser safely, make sure that it’s legal to carry and use in the state or city where you are. Many unfortunate incidents have already occurred in the past regarding the taser, some of which involved the more experienced law enforcement. Remember that in the wrong hands, the taser can be a deadly weapon. Know how to use it properly and responsibly.

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A taser gun can be a valuable weapon for police officers who wish to catch their victims without having to engage in a chase. The gun itself is a frightening weapon: discharging around 50,000 volts of electricity, it has the capability to stun a would-be criminal and disable the person for about five seconds. According to the account of one police officer, that five seconds consists of feeling as though you are in a black tunnel, with a current coursing through your body that disables any movement and prevents you from fighting an officer or resisting arrest.

The pain, the officer says, comes from arching the back and tensing it while under the effects of the taser gun; the taser gun itself leaves bee-sting like marks and may often result in wound bleeding due to the probes that fly out of the taser gun and onto the back of the would-be criminal. Police officers often volunteer to have the taser gun used on them because they want to know the effects of it when they themselves have to use the guns on their subjects. Although the gun is reportedly safe, there have been deaths due to taser gun use.

How does the taser work? The 50,000 volts of electricity take on the central nervous system by overriding its control of the body. That is, the electricity prevents the brain from controlling the body: the taser imitates electronic pulses that match those used by the nerves; the nerves in question are those that transmit orders from the brain and to surrounding muscles. Electronic pulses are what cause muscles to contract. However, when the nerves that surround and transmit orders to muscles are flooded by electronic pulses that resemble their own, the normal signals that usually travel from the nerves to the muscles are drowned out. In effect, the muscles will start to contract uncontrollably.

The body, under the taser, is thus a bundle of muscles that cannot be moved voluntarily. Once subject to a taser, a person can collapse and will be disabled for a few minutes. Although recovery is fast, the collapse can provide a police officer with enough time to shackle the subject and keep him or her from running farther or attacking the officer.

How safe are taser guns? Although there have been deaths, taser manufacturers and police officers alike attest to the guns’ safety. If you are concerned about taser guns, you may want to talk to your police officer and ask about the tests that have been done with such guns. There is also literature on the subject available in popular science websites that you can browse and read on.

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