Hi! - I was wondering what classes on USCCA you have taken that geared towards senior citizens? If you haven’t taken a course are there methods or additional gear (I.E. Pepper spray/gel, defense pens, Etc..) that you carry every day as well as your firearm?
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HI @Dennis363 .
I see you are a new Member at this Community. That would great if you read guidelines and introduce yourself at the proper thread.
This way we will know a little more about you and your expectations.
Fist - what is your definition of “senior citizen”? Do you carry a firearm or not?
Answering your questions - I don’t think there is a specific training focusing on students’ age. You can attend any USCCA training that fits your lifestyle.
There a lot of classes offered:
- Defensive Pistol
- Concealed Carry
- Non-Lethal Tools For Self-Defense
- Home Defense
- Shoot or Not Shoot
- Simulation Training (Simulation with Laser Handgun)
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Hi,
I would say age 65 and up. I do carry a handgun but I’m looking for non-lethal as well.
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I am over 65, carry and very proficient in my opinion. I have looked like you at non lethal and after a lot of research come to one conclusion, they are bandaids at best, and sometimes completely useless at the worst. My life and the life of my loved ones are worth too much to take chances. How many times have you read about a hit from a firearm and the failure to stop an attacker with one or two rounds. Then you look at multiple attackers and may come to the conclusion as I have that stinky paint balls or pepper spray just ain’t gonna cut it.
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Welcome to the community!
I’m not so senior but can now move in to a housing complex for those 55+, same with ordering from the back page of Denny’s menu.
I carry a folding knife and pepper spray. A cane would be subtle but effective, just carry one that’s legal in your state.
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I meet your senior citizen view. I carry and train with my EDC and a Knife but more then that I work at keeping my self awareness up to speed. One thing that helps is my wife will ask me questions about our surroundings out of the blue to be sure my head is on a swivel we may be walking or I may be driving.
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Thank You Robert. I agree with you on non-lethal weapons in that they are not the total defense solution. I view my handgun as a las resort in defense. The non-lethal solutions can buy me valuable seconds to pull my weapon. This is just my opinion and I value other methods as well.
Thanks!
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@Dennis363 Welcome to the community!
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A lot of folks will use a non-lethal means because they’re non-lethal, especially when they get angry and then they get charged with an assault
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Glad to have you here 
Not picking on you, but I believe I can pull my weapon as quick or possibly quicker than non-lethal solutions - unless you are talking about de-escalation or slapping, punching and kicking.
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Please be careful with such thinking.
- You are right about handgun being the last resort in defense. We always look for the least deadly force, close or equal to force used against us
- But I do not agree with using non-lethal solution if you know you will use lethal force. So it actually won’t buy you any valuable seconds to pull your gun. It will slow you down. You either use lethal force or not, you do not buy any time using different tool. You can buy your time using moving techniques, distraction / ambush or cover.
This looks like thinking about “warning shots” - You pull your handgun, but you mind says “I don’t wanna hurt this guy”. It is wrong - mentally and legally… and you lose in both cases. 
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Key phrase.
Time equals distance
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… divided by speed 
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“I’m a leaf on the Wind”
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Jerzees - Thank you for your honest reply. Not every situation would unfold giving you time to pull something from your pocket. I’m going through the USCCA training and will seek other training as well. Stay safe and take care.
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As part of getting my CCW license renewed last year, I was offered affordable monthly private one on one training, which I took. That has been very helpful in dealing with various issues of aging.
A quick Web search will find you lots of articles on firearms most easily and safely usable by older people. For example, slides that are easy to rack, or revolvers with no slide to be racked, with sights that are easier to aim, such as tritium or red dots. All such choices can also be discussed with your trainer, if you have one.
As for added gear, pepper spray, a small bright flashlight, a knife, a sturdy pen, a cell phone, and (if needed) a hickory cane can all be carried daily.
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yeah, do not stick to USCCA training only.
There are a lot of companies and Instructors who give us variety of different classes and courses.
Ask your local range or gun store or even check USCCA Instructor list. Many of USCCA Certified Instructors are running their own programs, out of USCCA curriculum.
https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/firearms-training/instructors/
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I’m 64, a current teacher (I will retire in May 2026), and a former LEO. I carry a pocketknife at school. I teach Science, so I can justify it. I also teach in a RED state. When not it school, I carry a knife, pepper spray, and my M&P .45 Shield.
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Thanks for your reply James, I carry a similar setup. 9MM Shield X Comp Carry, pepper gel and a pocket knife with 3 1/2” blade.
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Seniority sneaked up me. Back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, and cardio issues all slowed me down, making me look vulnerable. It definitely throws a monkey wrench into one’s plans and signals easy pickings to criminals.
When you’re perceived as being strong, that’s half the battle, but being old gray and fragile, you’re likely toast, and that’s when the art of self-defense becomes most important.
I’ll follow this thread with interest.
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