open carry and situational awareness

[JeshKidney]

I'm up in the air about it gangs like to make a statement

[MilShooter]

I believe this goes for anyone...open carry, concealed carry, or unarmed, situational awareness will get you out of more trouble than your firearm ever will.

Of course, you are correct in your evaluation of situational awareness. However (there is always a "however"), there are a class of people for whom this seems to be impossible. By way of an example (not an inviolate rule - only an example), I worry constantly about my 83 year old mother. She is very independent and insists on always paying for things in cash. She will stop at an ATM on her way to a grocery store, withdraw $300 cash, and then go grocery shopping. She could simply use her ATM card at the store, but she refuses. Unfortunately, she is a huge target, not only at the outdoor ATM, but in the parking lot of the Super Wal-Mart. Let's face it - she's 83 and bent-over, moves slowly, and focuses on just walking and finding her car. She has no idea of what's happening around her. And I fear for her safety.

She is incapable of carrying a weapon - her judgement is both slow and lacking - so how can she protect herself? I cannot possibly teach her "situational awareness" at this stage in her life. She can't remember what she ate for breakfast. On some days, she doesn't recall eating breakfast. Is there a solution for this class of people - our most vulnerable citizens? (Yeah, I know that children are vulnerable too. But they are not a normal target for a goblin who wants to steal cash and credit cards.) She refuses an escort even though my brother and I have tried. She's pig-headed and gets mean... (laughing)

Any advice? I got her a small can of pepper spray and she sprayed herself in the face. I bought her a kubotan but she hasn't enough strength to do much damage. If she had a knife, she would undoubtedly slice-off several fingers. If she would/could only pay attention to her surroundings, I would not worry so much. But at her advanced age, concentration is a fleeting thing.

And, no, she is not ready for a nursing home. It would kill her as quickly as a heart attack. I wish she would find a male "friend" with whom she could cohabit. Then they could do things together and act as "lookouts" for dangerous situations.

I'm at a loss for ways to teach her about situational awareness. Sometimes, I think you either have it or you don't. I was in the Army with a guy who, when the DI screamed, "Hit the dirt!", would stand there, looking around for a good reason to "hit the dirt". He just never "got it". Is my Mom in this class? Are all "very old" people this way?

Thanks for listening.