Monday Musings: How To Increase Situational Awareness As You Age
Today’s musings are less all over the map than usual. It’s focused on the importance of situational awareness as you age because I had a wake-up call last week.
Many women who have to wear glasses have a wardrobe of styles to choose from. I hate wearing glasses, and I’m very particular about which shape I’ll wear, so I only have three pairs. A frameless pair I wear at home and two others that I alternate between. The frames are both pretty old, and I’ve been just updating the RX as needed.
I’m now in the market for new glasses because I wasn’t paying attention and these ones got stolen last week.
Situational Awareness
I like to think I’m situationally aware, but last week, I dropped the ball and left a favorite tote bag in the car.
My daughter and I went for a long walk on the beach last week on a particularly blustery day. I was carrying my convertible travel bag as a crossbody which held my credit cards, money, lipstick, hand sanitizer, mints, Tylenol, and phone. It holds a ton of stuff but not my eyeglass case, so I left my regular glasses back in the car, along with some sunscreen and sneakers. I doubt anyone would break into a locked car for RX glasses, but they will if they’re zipped into a tidy-looking tote bag with a scarf snazzily tied around the handle.
I know better than to do that. I could have hidden the bag in the back under something, but I left it on the floor of the front seat, and some creep helped himself to them. We were parked along the road, in a long line of parked cars, up against some woods. My safety antenna must have been down because it was the perfect opportunity for someone to break in without being seen.
I like to think I’m on top of my game when it comes to protecting myself. I’m situationally aware enough only to wear one earbud when walking outside. I always look through the peephole before answering the door. I’ll even use our ring system speaker to speak to someone if I don’t want to open the door. I’ve even begun to pull into the garage and close the overhead door before unlocking my car and going into the house. I carry a personal alarm on my keychain and a small can of mace when walking the trails near my house.
And yet…I was lulled by the gorgeous sunny day, the sounds of gulls overhead, and kids splashing in the ocean. The idyllic location distracted me from the need to be aware of my surroundings and cautious enough to hide my stuff. It’s that simple.
It turns out that older adults have lower situational awareness than younger and middle-aged adults. Stress, fatigue, distractions, and cognitive function all play a role, as well as simply paying attention.
Here are some ways to increase your situational awareness as you age:
- Be observant and pay attention to your surroundings
- Maintain a high level of observation
- Stay informed about current events
- Trust your instincts
- Plan ahead and anticipate risks
- Practice mindfulness
- Stay mentally and physically active
- Continuously assess and reassess
- Limit distractions
- Take self-defense classes
- Plan ahead
- Let friends and loved ones know where you’re going
What can you add to this list that we should all be doing to increase our situational awareness as we age? Please share your wisdom.
I do all of the above plus I let my sister and husband track me on my iPhone; car doors are locked at all times; only use crossbody bags; always keep my gas tank at least half full; keep my iPhone fully charged; use GPS so I don’t get lost; and I never go shopping in the dark.
I do all that too Kim, except the gas tank which Iāll start going now! We canāt be too careful. Thank you.
I always have my car keys in hand before I exit a store, so I don’t have to fumble for the keys in the parking lot. I also put all purchases in the trunk of my vehicle when shopping. I saw on TV recently, that you should not keep your garage door opener where it can be seen. A thief may break into your vehicle & steal the opener, along with personal info and your address.
Jennifer, I am so sorry this happened to you. Thanks for reminding all of us about focusing on our surroundings and safety. I pray the rest of your trip will go smoothly for you. Enjoy the time with your daughter.
Ginger
Jennifer ā what an excellent post ā especially the note of wearing only 1 earbud when walking. Too few people do this. Thank you for sharing!q I would add one that my daughter shared with me: When walking/running/hiking etc when you see others on the trail/path, greet them! They will remember seeing you. This can be an important assistance if ever you become a victim and others start to look for you.
Great point, Anna!
I was taught to look into the back seat of my car before getting in in case someone is hiding there. There may not be a broken window to alert you that someone is in the car. Also, although the exercise is good for us, park near other cars and not way out in the parking lot. Itās worth the extra time if you have to drive around until you find a spot.
I do that too. Iāll drive around for a while until I find a spot close to the store front.
Yikes! So sorry this happened to you. Thanks for this post and the reminders to stay situationally aware.
Allow yourself a few extra seconds/minutes – when leaving your house, when leaving your car. Be in the moment rather than hurrying ahead. Establish an exit/enter staging space where you can leave keys, purses, jackets, glasses and anything that needs to go with you.
Yes!! Great point. I always feel like Iām rushing.
So sorry your car was broken into and your best glasses lost as well as your tote bag. I don’t think that the awareness is a problem to older folks as it is a problem for younger folks. They are just as distracted as we are, maybe more. Don’t wear earbuds! I like the idea of carrying a personal safety alarm too! The linen shirt is cute and it is a good price. Have a great day and get a worn, creepy looking tote bag.
I am so sorry this happened to you, Jennifer. My husband and I recently moved from the city we have called home for over 50 years because we no longer felt safe. Just to elaborate a little on limiting distractions, please put your phone away! I see so many people with their heads down, eyes on their phone, oblivious to anything that is going on around them. If I notice it, it is a sure thing that someone with bad intent will too.
I see that all the time. Iām surprised more people arenāt run over crossing the street!!
What a lousy event to have to go through. I guess it does give us a wake up call. The word mindfulness really sums it up for me. I catch myself walking and nearly tripping or trying to haul a ton of things up stairs rather than make two trips. So often our thoughts take us beyond what weāre doing at the moment. Or we try to manage several activities at one time. I could easily do that when I was a young mom but not so much today. How often isnāt it just the littlest things that cause the biggest mishaps.
We learn and we keep moving forward.
Iām the same Jan. This makes me pause and reconsider.
So sorry about the break in. I know how violated you feel from that. I try to remember to put things in the trunk but maybe that’s not even safe anymore, who knows! These suggestions are a great wake up call.
I’m so sorry that happened to you Jennifer.
Our daughter, son in law and teenage grandchildren stopped at a trailhead to go hiking a month ago. Took all of their valuables in backpacks on the hike. Every car at that trail head had a broken window at the end of the day, even cars that had not locked them, windows were broken, nothing taken. So frustrating for them. Police said this happens all of the time now days. So sorry this happened to you.
Thatās so upsetting. I simply donāt understand that kind of malicious behavior. The world is sure changing.
SO sorry to hear about your unfortunate theft! Ugh, what more can we do that’s on your list…it’s a great list. I guess make sure you leave nothing behind that you don’t want to have to replace. About 27 years ago we were on vacation to Clearwater Beach, Florida. We were at the pool and decided to grab some lunch at the snack bar right beside the pool. I left behind my one beach bag with sunscreen and other stuff that I figured no one would steal anyway. Well, I shouldn’t have figured that way because when we came back it was gone. And people were all around too. This was 27 years ago, so no security cameras all around. The thing that we couldn’t replace…my youngest sons custom ear plugs for when he gets near the water. Major ear problems and surgeries left him not able to get water in his ear, showering or otherwise. We looked in every trash can around the property thinking no one would have wanted the stuff and pitched it. Nope, couldn’t find it. Lesson learned. Don’t leave anything behind that is valuable to YOU! When I read your story I knew just how you felt at that moment. Everyone needs to be aware because at that time I was in my early 40’s. I guess I just don’t have the mind of a criminal!
Thanks for sharing your story. We check some trash cans too but I soon realized it was futile. These type of crimes have always happened but until it happens to you, they donāt seem so common.
Nothings worse than an invasion of your private property (home or anything else). The first thing I thought when I started reading your article was your vehicle. If you were in your vehicle or a rental the license tags are an immediate give away that you’re not local and your a target anywhere you go. Stay safe fellow readers.
It was my daughters local car, but I know what you mean. Criminals pray on tourists.
Jennifer, I am sorry this happened to you. I’ll add ” walk with purpose” to the list. This tags on to limit distractions. Whenever I am alone and walking to my car after leaving a store, I make my wallet is back in my purse and my purse strap is across my body. As I step into the parking lot I look toward where I’m parked and give a big wave and smile like someone is waiting for me. If it’s a longer distance I will continue to gesture in some way like point at something. This may sound like crazy behavior but I think you’re less of a target if you’re not alone. Thank you for this post.
It does not sound crazy at all. Iāve done that too!! Itās smart.
We are only human and it is not normal to be hyper vigilant at all times. Reduced situational awareness is certainly not an older age thing. Donāt know how many times I see young women leave their purse or handbag sitting in their shopping trolley (with their backs turned) when taking goods off the supermarket shelf. As for personal protection, unfortunately, mace and pepper sprays are banned in Australia, so I guess I would have to slug a mugger with my umbrella. Admittedly, my street awareness was on high alert during my recent Israel and European vacation. Terrorists in the first place and pick pockets in the second. Sorry that you had your car broken into – it is a horrible feeling.
I am so very sorry this happened to you. Never mind the tote bag, this was disturbing to your nervous system and mental health! Thank you for using your misfortune to help others by highlighting what we need to be doing to stay safe.
We all need to be careful and aware. Iām glad to share and have readers add their wisdom. This community means a lot to me.
Oh Jennifer, how violated you must have felt. It is sad that someone would feel like other peopleās personal property is theirs to take. My daughter(age 49) had that same situation happen to her this past spring where she lived in Centennial Colorado. She lost a tote bag with a shirt, hand sanitizer, sunglasses and a Yeti water bottle. There will and always have been individuals that will take what they want.
Glad and your daughter are safe and well. š„°
Iām glad your daughter is safe too. I just had āstuffā stolen, but itās an excellent wake up call.
I am so sorry you had that happen Jennifer. Your list is excellent. One thing I would add is about parking lots. If I’m leaving somewhere after dark, I always park my car beside the parking lot light poles so I’m not approaching my car in the dark.
Excellent point Yvonne.
I am pretty mindful of stuff in the car. Here is a good tip.
Lock your car with your keys before getting gas at the station. So easy for someone to.open the door and reach in for your wallet, bag or whatever.
Yes!!