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.
Oh, Jennifer, I’m so sorry to hear this. Fortunately, both you and your daughter are ok.
A teacher friend of mine left her briefcase on the floor of the backseat of her car when she made a quick stop at Publix. When she came out, she realized someone had broken into her car and stolen her briefcase. The thief must’ve been quite disappointed to open it and find only a gradebook and a stack of student papers.
Thanks for the safety tips.
So sorry. That awful.
So sorry this happened to you. I canāt imagine what someone intends to do with your prescription glasses! It does sound like you are more careful with your glasses than I am with mine, so I will just admit that when I find frames I like, I buy two. Then I do what you described, just getting new lenses. Itās like finding a great pair of shoes that you know you will love and wear into the ground ā I get two pair in that situation too.
When I was working, we had to take Active Shooter Training. The instructor said something, unrelated to a shooter, that stayed with me. He asked us to please, please, please stop using the automatic door unlock (that wonderful invention that tells us where our car is if weāve forgotten or just want the ease of a door already open) as we approached our cars. āWhy, he asked us, are you advertising from several car lengths away, that you are approaching? And why are you unlocking the door for them?ā
That’s brilliant, Jane! I do that all the time to find my car. No more!!
I am so sorry that this happened to you, Jennifer. And, I’m glad that you and your daughter are safe. The world has gone totally mad.
So sorry to hear about what happened! Thanks for sharing with us. Lots of great ideas being shared. I always try to make sure that my garage door opener is locked up and I carry my registration/insurance copies in my wallet so they don’t have my address. Sadly, I also wear sneakers to malls and large outdoor events so I can run if needed. Also, always check for exits.
Good ideas, I hate having them in my car.
Iām sorry to hear this. I hope it wasnāt in Vancouver? Our car was once broken into when we were in Phoenix. They broke the side window and opened the trunk and stole all our luggage. It was years ago, but I still shudder when anyone says Phoenix. Lol
Yes, this was Vancouver. Crime is everywhere so we need to be careful.
Sad to hear all these stories of petty theft, etc., that seem to be occurring more and more in an era where some individuals have lost their moral compass. I used to work in a Hawaiian five star hotel and have seen and heard just about everything on the theft level. One of my best friends works in hotel security today. Don’t think that your belongings are safe in the trunk of a car. They aren’t. There are “spotters” out there (some as young as 12) working together using binoculars and keeping track of who puts what where and who is going where. Trunk locks can be broken in seconds. Alarms don’t mean a thing. I keep pepper spray hidden in my car, one in my pocket and one hanging with car keys around my neck. An incident in California last year led to that and more awareness as I was surrounded by three men banging with their fists on my car in a parking lot, attempting to sell me “car repair.” Last year, Costco had the best deals on pepper spray – four canisters – two shooting 6 feet and two spraying 10 feet. The more length the spray, the more time you have to get away. Sorry to report this stuff in this usually “happy, over 50” venue, but maybe some of this info will be of benefit to someone here at some time. Awareness. An important thing.
We HAVE to be aware and careful so I thank you for sharing, Nan.
My daughter had a bag stolen out of her car when she was in her early 20’s. She found it a few miles down the road. Funny story, but the bag was where she tucked plastic bags of dog poop, after walking her dog. She had walked him, then went onto her job, where he could be with her. (pet day care center) We can only think the bag began to stink their vehicle up.
I called on various retail accounts for years, and found you need to be as aware inside the store, or a mall, as you do while going across the parking lot.
I had always been told to make eye contact and maybe even comment on something about the person that is making you feel uncomfortable.
I put that to practice, in more recent years, when a friend and I were walking one evening in a very nice area. I realized we had two young men behind us, and where they came from, I could not tell you! They were keeping pace with us, and it had been going on for longer than I cared for.
I turned around, made eye contact with each and then commented on the one guys shoes. As soon as I did that, they went across the street and headed back the direction we had come from. She was relieved and said she was thinking they could be trouble, but did not know how to say something to me w/o them overhearing. I do believe as soon as they realized I was observing them, right down to the color of their shoes.
I am a firm believer in “go with your gut”. I would rather avoid a situation that could have been fine, than to go into something I felt was not fine and then realize my “gut feeling” was correct.
I got goose bumps reading your comment,Linda. That was very wise of you. Thank you for sharing.
I started talking to a woman about 80 years old in a Walmart parking lot recently. She told me she unlocked her car threw her purse in driver seat and shut the door. She preceded to put her groceries in back of her Honda suv. When she finished she noticed the car parked in front of her had two occupants, they were watching her and laughing. She felt unsettled, then they backed out and drove off. She could not find her purse, they had stolen it.
Oh no!
Jennifer so sorry this happened. That is an awful feeling! After almost 20 years of medical sales I became very savvy about parking garages and would avoid them if possible. Even if there appears to be no one in cars next to me there could be. Also the dividers between the levels make perfect hiding places. What I learned is I could easily be watched from many different angles. Then to have to get on an elevator in the parking garage – the worst. I would do my best to find a busier level at least with a few people on it. Never got on an elevator in the garage alone. I did a lot of driving around to protect myself but it became a habit. I had to train myself on these habits as it was so easy to get caught up in my work and bein a hurry.
Thank you for shring this, Julie. It’s something women don’t often consider.
Car breakins especially at parking lots of touristy places are very very common , even in driveways where cars are parked too ., My kids in bay area have had cars broken into at residence just for their sunglasses ..and once a laptop š«¤..
do not leave anything of value in your car while you hike or shop or overnight at your home or friends .. (or on your front seat even while driving ā¦) or in the trunk ! and dont put your purse in your trunk with your id and cc etc and then leave car because thieves are watching and also know how to accesss trunks . If they can get in car they can get in trunk ,. We once put our luggage , but not our purses thank god , in our trunk, as we left motel in daylight ā¦and drove an hour to newport beach ca where we parked , in beach parking lot , got out , looked at beach and then went across street for breakfast , . Drove home2 hrs , opened trunk and all our luggage was gone . No signs of breakins , but trunk lock never opened well later . Thieves mustve watched us and knew how to unlock trunks ..lesson learned . Keep car in your line of sight if anything is in your trunk or park in secure guarded lots ,while traveling . If you must ,. We may have even been followed from motel who knows ?
Also never leave your purse in grocery cart. While shopping or loading car !
keep it in front of you or on you ā¦ even turning around to pick out fruit etc . Friend had wallet stolen out of opentype purse at costco that way! she just turned around a few minutes perusing produce ā¦..another had her whole purse stolen from cart while loading her car.
Pick pockets are quite common in other countries and have even been known to snatch cross body bag by cutting straps ,grabbing and running .use rfid wallets always . Be very aware in-crowds and dont ask stranger to take your pic with your phone and watch them run away with it .
I also lost a watch i put inside my shoes while quickly showering at gym also , i didnt think another woman would steal .duh It happens ..
Wow!! The watch in your shoes stuns me the most!! I’m sorry
I’m very sorry to read about your break-in; it happened to us when we were down the coast in Cambria and left me feeling vulnerable and of course, angry. Also, what a pain it was for us to have to drive back home with a cardboard-covered window! We learned our lesson and never leave anything in sight in our cars. And my new car, a Chevy Bolt, has a lid that hides everything in the trunk when the hatchback is closed. I love that.
When we were just in Vancouver we walked everywhere to and from our rental across from Rogers Arena – mostly during the day, but one early evening, back from dinner in Mt. Pleasant and another, back from dinner in Kitsilano. We stayed on busy streets and nothing happened but also I think that was a matter of luck. Because we are walkers when on vacation, I will invest in a couple of the security tools you’ve featured here as luck does run out.
Thank you for sharing this – what a great idea for a blog post!
I agree, luck plays a roll in whether we get targeted or not, but I believe we can’t be too careful, as well. I want to do everything I can to ensure I am not a victum again.
So Sorry this happened to you, Jennifer. One other thing I would add is keep your home doors, especially your front door locked at all times. I get teased about this, but it’s a safety precaution worth practicing.
Great tip! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve automatically locked my husband out in the back yard:).
Jennifer, I’m SO SORRY about the break-in, damage to your car and the loss of your glasses. This is a timely, important and informative post, for sure. I recently went on a girls’ trip with eleven other women, and I was one of our drivers. At our first pit stop, my riders ALL decided not to take their tote bags into the restroom with them, intending to leave them in plain view inside the car. I insisted on NOTHING LEFT IN VIEW before we left the car. I got a little verbal flack, but everyone complied momentarily. Best to leave nothing to temptation, to travel wisely, and to be safe rather than sorry was my response to their fussiness. But then at every stop, I KEPT having to remind! I did it, but I must admit I was surprised that intelligent, capable, otherwise responsible women could decide to be so naive and careless. But as you warn, there are creeps everywhere. They don’t know what’s inside a bag or a tote, they don’t care, and they WILL break in and take what’s yours. Thank you for the Voice of Experience, but again….I’m sorry you had to go through this!
I’m sure the creeps were dissapointed at what was in my tote because it only had value to me.
Great Post Jennifer. Your readers had so many good ideas to add. Made all kinds of sense. I’d like to add putting a a grab bar up in your shower. Safety at home also.
YES! We have one and it’s great
I am so sorry that this happened to you, but thankful that you have shared this story. I feel like I get “lulled” by a lot of things too, especially in those things that are are part of my regular activities and places to go. Your story is a wakeup call for me because I regularly go to a local nature center to walk, and now I’ll be more careful.
I guess that you really need to keep a sense of having “fresh eyes” doing anything out in the world.
I know my real concern (hangup) is as a pedestrian crossing busy streets – I really feel like I need to know that those cars are stopped and seeing me in a crosswalk, and it can be hard to connect with drivers who aren’t paying attention.
You do! I see people blow right through red lights and stop signs all the time. I’m even extra cautious in my car at them. People are so distracted!
Very sorry this happened! Glad you had money/credit cards with you. Something else I do is when I pump gas, I keep my car door open but lock the car to prevent someone driving by and opening passenger door and grabbing my purse.
I leave my passenger door locked too at the gas station. You ladies have the best ideas!!
One thing I read recently was to make sure you have the darkest (legal) tinting on your car windows. Thieves are drawn to what they can easily see and break a window and quickly grab. The dark tint prevents them from seeing clearly (if at all) and they move on to an easier target. In any case, I always lock the doors and put any valuables in the trunk. There is nothing in my car space to invite any scrutiny.
Great point!
I am so sorry this happened to you. It really does feel like a violation. It happened to me at work many years ago. I came off shift at the hospital in the morning to find my window broken, my sunglasses stolen and my battery was gone! I donāt remember anything else as I never left things in my car. It was just a Ford XBR, two seater, not new but still victimized. Since then I only parked in the camera monitored employee parking area at work. Now retired, no shopping after dark and never leave anything in the car. It is harder with an SUV, no trunk. I would never leave my car unlocked. The alarm will not work and most insurance companies will not pay if you have not taken the precaution of locking up. Car windows are expensive and once a theft gets into your car they can have access to your registration information and garage door opener. That gives them access to your home! In Colorado we have to keep insurance information and car registration in the vehicle.
We have to keep that info in our car too. It’s a real concern.
Jennifer, Iām sorry you and your daughter went through such an invasion.
My brother taught me years ago to pull through parking spaces so that if I needed to get away fast I could just pull forward and go. His company had a speaker that taught safety while on business trips.
Smart one. Thanks, Darlene
Iām sorry this happened to you Jennifer. How distressing
Iām afraid in my little community on the island that I have become complacent. I donāt walk with ear buds or my phone but I do get lost in thought and am often surprised by someone coming up behind. Iāve always been a daydreamer. I sometimes go shopping at night but have my keys in my hand and park as close to the store as I can.
My husband keeps a vigilant eye out when we travel and has probably saved us a few times. I wear a crossbody purse when travelling and am surprised by the amount of women who carry open bags (totes or straw). Pickpockets take only secs to reach in and help themselves. A friend had a backpack when she was touring France and someone took her purse out of without her realizing. Unfortunately, her passport was in there too. I carry a backpack when flying but keep my purse on the bottom under other things.
I always put my purchases in the back of my SUV where the windows are tinted. When I go to the pool, I put my license in my gym bag and leave my purse at home.
Iām sorry this happened to you. Itās maddening, for sure. Thank you for sharing as itās a good reminder to all your readers to be aware at all times.
Thankful it’s only theft, not violence!!! I’m not minimizing . . . just grateful for you; and I thank you very much for the reminders to help us stay safe! I need one of those keychain devices, also, I need to upgrade my Ring so that I never have to open the door.
Thanks for helping us dress and to stay safe!!!!
Yes, it’s just stuff and I was so lucky. You ladies are all sharing such great ideas, I’m going to compile them in a post for us. I’ve spoken through that ring speaker while out of the country (using my phone) and people don’t even know you’re not home! It’s awesome.
Sorry to hear this happened to you. For someone to break into your car or home gives you a feeling of being violated. It seems itās worst now, as these thieves are stealing from stores right and left. Thank you for your tips I was aware of some but you gave me more to be aware of. I donāt even feel safe to take a walk where I live unless itās loops around the apartment parking lot.
I hate that this is happening to us. It shrinks our world so we need to do what we can to stay aware and safe, but still engage and enjoy life.
I, personally, have left my purse in a fitting room, on the floor in a bar and on a picnic table in a public park – twice! The purse and it’s contents were found intact each time. I leave my house unlocked and the keys in the car. Never had a problem. Either I am lucky, or live in a safe community. People have been convinced that the world is a dangerous hell hole.
You have been very lucky. Be safe, Lily.
Excellent points Jennifer and so sorry to learn you were a victim of theft and damage. Regarding the subject of purses/totes; even when driving keep all your doors locked to prevent your purse laying on the seat, be stolen when at a stop. Also shall add, ensure your handbag is primarily within your reach and/or in clear sight. i.e.: Washroom cubicle, shopping cart, a public table, fueling your car etc. As to the list given; number four (trust your instincts) is something I’ve always preached to my children as so often is dismissed which my daughter in particular admits, has proven beneficial in her 25 years of policing (regardless she carries a gun). -Brenda-
Trusting our instinct is so important. Thanks, Brenda.
An excellent paperback book that was written years ago is āThe Gift of Fearā by Gavin De Becker. I reread this from time to time to remind me of all the things De Becker emphasizes. He stresses situational awareness and many of the things you mentioned. Prior to reading your post I had decided to order a copy for a number of friends.
Thanks for the reminders for us all.
MHK
I have a copy on order.
I am so sorry that you had this awful experience, but grateful that you are unharmed.
I will use someone of the readersā great hints. Will add:
1. Learn the sign language signals for āHelp Me.ā The American Sign Language and International Sign Language symbols are different. First responders and some security guards are trained to recognize these symbols. Can be helpful in a situation where you cannot speak.
2. Have an alarm word to use on a call or text, which means āHelp me.ā My family has one that weāve, thankfully, never had to use.
3. Find the emergency alert button on your phone so you know where it is if you need it.
4. Some recommend carrying car keys separately from house keys, and always carry house keys on your body. This is so if your car is stolen or carjacked, you can still get back to your house. I tried this, but I kept losing a set.
Those are great suggestions. Thanks for sharing them Susan. I’m afraid I’d loose my house keys too š
So sorry your car was broken into. Thanks for the tips on awareness to our situations as we age. I usually put any bags/pkgs. in my trunk. I enjoy your posts with all the tips on what to wear and how to wear them. Hopefully this is a better week for you.
I’m sorry about your car break in – ‘assaults’ like these are so infuriating and such a pain to get resolved – broken window mess and repair, favortie tote, scarf and glasses lost. Grrrrr…
Situational awareness – when I worked, I had a habit of calling my son on the way home from work at the end of my week and eventually would need to pull over alongside the rural road leading to my home so as not to lose cell service. My son is a plumber in a local prison and is thankfully regularly trained and updated on situational awareness! One afternoon, while pulled over, another car driven by a young man pulled up behind me. I immediately told my son, “Hang on, I have to move. Someone just pulled up behind me.” His immediate reply was “Way to go Mom! Situational Awareness!” It was a term I’d never really thought of before and probably never thought to implement on a conscious level – this time it just struck me to move. Today there is so much more crime I feel as though I am far more aware of situations, who is around me and where I am. Thanks for the other tips!
How upsetting! But how smart you were to not leave your wallet in the car — it could have been far, far worse. So, I take this as a wake-up call from the universe (to all of us). I do have mixed feelings about your garage door suggestion, though — it’s easy enough for someone to roll under the door as it’s closing, and then you’re trapped in the garage with them. As far as bags and totes and luggage, the trunk is the best/only place to leave them if they have to stay in the car.
Youāre right about the garage, Bette. Sheesh! Maybe I should park on the driveway.
Good advice Jennifer! Situational awareness is very important as we age. Another example is being careful where we step. We all become a bit less steady on our feet with age, so watching where and how we step can mean the difference between falling and staying upright.
Yes, Chris! Youāre so right. Iām looking down more often as I navigate up and down curbs etc.
I’m so sorry this happened to you Jennifer! What a sad commentary on just living life on a pleasant day with your daughter. I too am glad that you were not hurt physically.
This is a true eye opener message!
Iād add trust your gut instinct. If something feels off trust that even when you donāt want to seem rude. I recommend Gavin de Beckerās book The Gift of Fear. He talks about learning how to trust our instincts to protect ourselves.
I have that book on order! Great recommendation Jen.
That book is so interesting and informative! So many things we donāt think of on a daily basis. I believe itās a book that would be beneficial for everyone to read!
I’m so sorry this happened to you! Living in a resort area in SoCal I often hear or read about crimes against older Americans (that’s how we’re described nowadays!). We have been warned about being approached by a female admiring our bracelets. As she strikes up a conversation with you, holding your wrist, a male will come over to distract you. The female will quickly unhook your bracelet! People here also use their golf carts to go to the grocery store only to find them stolen while they shop. As a former New Yorker I was always aware of crimes in the city but, like you at the beach, we are lulled into thinking it’s different in certain environments. I always shop with a crossbody bag now to feel safer. While in Trader Joe’s a few months ago a TJ employee actually approached a shopper and warned her about leaving her purse in the seat of the shopping cart!
I prefer all my bags zip closed now and agree, crossbody bags feel safest.
Thank you so much for posting this! We all need to to be reminded!
Iām sorry that happened to you. I would add: donāt wait until you get to your destination before putting items in the trunk. I did this years ago before going on a hike. Someone observed me doing this and broke into the trunk while we were gone. Ever since that happened, I am careful to place all temptations out of eyesight before getting to my next destination.
Great point! Thank you.
I am so sorry to hear this! But thank you for sharing your lessons learned. I knew someone who also lost their purse + the contents from inside their car when parked, just a month ago. Only difference was, the car was unlocked, and the keys were inside the purse, so the car then had to be towed to the dealership to make a get a new key!!!!!
Wow! I have a friend who leaves the car unlocked so thieves can look around without damaging the car!
Walk with authority. Donāt walk with your head down. Donāt park in a lot next to someone sitting in their car. Look around before exiting your car after parking. Always lock your car door as soon as you get in it. When pumping gas, take keys out of the ignition and take with you to the pump.
Great ones Becky. I do those too.
Sorry this happened to you. But it is a wake up call to many of us. I have always told my girlsnow 40 and 3 not to drive their car if they feel upset, ill or just not 100% alert. Must take my own advice.But thanks for yours.susan
Oh, Jennifer. What a bummer! I’m so sorry this happened to you. Glad you had your actual purse with you, though!
It sinks that your car was broken into.
When Iām out walking I always wear a high-powered whistle on a lanyard around my neck. I once foiled 4 young men while in Spain from snatching my purse by blowing on that whistle. If Iām walking in a parking lot or down a hotel hall and I donāt want to spoil the look of my outfit I tuck the whistle into my pocket.
Very smart
Hiding not good enough. Thieves camp out in parking lots like at gyms, malls, etc. They look for women not carrying a purse or backpack as they exit a car. They know we must have wallet with license to drive etc. And they they break car window. Happened to good friend at gym in very safe area.
So put in trunk BEFORE you arrive at destination so spotters done see you.
Sorry that happened to you.
Great point. Sadly we are preyed on more than younger people.
I am so very sorry that this happened to you . It seems that in our society that honesty has taken the back seat to crime opportunities. You’re blaming yourself for someone else’s actions. It could have happened to anyone else at any age.
So true. My daughters BFās car was recently broken into, heās 35. Itās was in a housing area. They stole a phone charger and some coins.
Sorry your car was broken into. My rule is to never leave anything in plain sight in the car, and if I know I will be leaving the car with my purse in it, I put it in the trunk before I leave home. That way no one can watch where I put it.
This type of theft is common around our area lakes with walking and biking trails, an unfortunate fact of life here
Thatās very smart, Deanne.
I suggest that you enable āFind myā if you have an iPhone, and set it up so that your spouse, a child, or a friend can locate you as long as you have your phone on you.
We do use that all the time. I have them in all my travel bags but I didnāt have it in my tote.
Very sorry to hear about your theft. Great points you make and something everyone (even my daughters) should practice.
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!!