This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2006, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
NORTH LOGAN - At 91, North Logan resident Carmen Boss diligently exercises her mind and body. Although she could probably outrun many men and women decades her junior, Boss recently decided to use a cane.
"We'll all have a cane in the morning," the northern Utah woman said after attending Combat Cane - a senior-citizen safety class.
A walking cane can be a serious weapon if strategically applied to vital areas, according to Rod Carmichael, physical therapist at Mountain Land Rehabilitation and certified instructor of Krav Maga, a self-defense program he says was developed by the Israeli military.
Carmichael along with his two sons, Joshua and Aaron, presented Combat Cane to nearly 50 senior citizens, at Pioneer Valley Lodge in North Logan last week.
He says the fear many senior citizens feel - in their homes and in public - is legitimate.
"They definitely should be scared. They are becoming a larger and larger target party for attackers and muggers, because they look like they can't help themselves," he said.
Although self-defense techniques may not make a huge difference in the outcome of an attack, fighting back is preferable to doing nothing, Carmichael said.
"A confrontation on the street is very violent. Their chances of being hurt are huge, but I want to give them something they can do to defend themselves in some way," he said.
Carmichael preached prevention by recommending group shopping and the buddy system at cash-dispensing machines, so one can watch the entrance while another uses the machine.
"[Attackers are] looking for a single person on their own who looks smaller and weaker than them," he said. "There is nothing in your wallet or purse worth your life. Unfortunately, compliance will not always prevent you from being hurt."
Carmichael first described. and then practiced with senior volunteers, several self-defense moves using a walking cane.
"Cause as much damage as you can as quickly as possible by targeting vital areas [groin, eyes, throat] and try to get away," he said, adding that a crookneck cane is a much better weapon than a straight cane.
Leslie Fife, Pioneer Valley activity director, said the topic appeals to the growing population of seniors who are well aware of their vulnerability.
Senior self-defense and safety tips
If asked for your wallet, do not hand it over. Throw it as far as you can and go in the other direction.
If you get in a physical confrontation with an attacker, cause as much damage as you can as quickly as possible by striking at the groin, eyes and throat.
Do not be sympathetic. Your attacker is out to harm you and does not deserve mercy.