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with switches at the top and bottom of
stairways. 9. Keep a list of important telephone
• Repair loose or uneven steps. Check numbers, names of family members, in
stairs for worn or loose carpeting and case they get lost or have a sudden memory
install anti-slip treads. lapse.
• Always wear shoes with traction and How to defend yourself when someone
make sure throw rugs have non-skid attacks you?
backing. As a last resort, defend yourself by
• Install grab bars for the toilet, bathtub physically fighting back - Use your body
and/or shower, and use non-slip mats or “defenders” - your elbow, your heel,
decals on ceramic surfaces both inside and your fist, your voice, and your head. A
outside the tub. wheelchair or a cane can also be used as a
• Install nightlights in areas you frequent defender. To get away quickly, aim for a
at night. Also, consider keeping a place on the attacker’s body that will hurt
flashlight near your bed. a lot.
• Store frequently-used items on lower Understanding Self-Defence Laws in
shelves in the kitchen to limit the use of India (Lawyer’s Perspective):
stools or step-ladders. If you must use a Under Indian law, individuals have the
step stool, use one with a bar to hold onto. right to defend themselves when faced
How to keep elderly parents safe? with imminent danger or threat. This right
1. Living areas - look for clutter and other is recognized under various sections of the
trip hazards, especially slippery or frayed Indian Penal Code (IPC) and other relevant
rugs. laws. Keeping this short, here are some
2. Staircases - check staircases for adequate points to keep in mind:
lighting, that they are free from clutter, • Right to Private Defense: Sections 96 to
that handrails are properly installed and 106 of the IPC establish the right to private
there are no loose stair treads. defense, allowing individuals to protect
3. Bathrooms - look for any fall hazards. themselves and others against certain
Some simple things that you can do to offenses.
help protect your loved one: • Proportional Force: The force used in
1. Stay involved with your elder. self-defence should be proportionate (very
2. Find sources of help and use them. important) to the threat faced and must
3. Anticipate potential incapacitation and not exceed what is necessary to repel the
get legal affairs in order. attack.
4. Use safety devices and technology. To sum up, “The best defense is a good
5. Carefully select caregiver/nurse/house offense” …this is an adage that has been
help. applied to many fields of endeavor,
6. Always go out with them to ensure including games and military combat. It
safety of your elder. is also known as the strategic offensive
7. Ensure they have enough cash to catch principle of war. “Self-defense is not just a
an auto or a taxi. set of techniques; it is a state of mind that
8. Make sure they have enough of water begins with the belief that you are worth
with them when they go out. defending” - Rorion Gracie.
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #63 | SEPTEMBER 2024 19
