Media Freaks Over Seniors Not Locking Up Their Guns

By Tom Knighton

I’ve said time and again that I think people should lock up their guns when unneeded. Of course, my definition of “need” is a bit more elastic than many people’s. I think it’s perfectly acceptable to keep an unlocked firearm within reach. As I write this, I’ve got one right next to me. I need it because someone might decide to commit suicide by burglary.

A lot of older Americans also keep guns handy in case they’re needed. That idea freaks some in the media out completely.

Almost 39 percent of the more than 4,400 seniors they surveyed in Washington state said they had a firearm in their home. Nearly a quarter said they keep at least one gun loaded and unlocked. Fewer than a third said they keep all firearms locked up and unloaded.

These unsafe practices make suicide easier and endanger kids and visitors, researchers said.

“Findings of this study highlight the importance of addressing access to firearms among older adults, especially those who display signs of dementia or suicide risk factors,” said senior researcher Dr. Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, an associate professor of epidemiology.

Every year, about 10,000 older Americans are wounded by firearms, he said. About 6,500 die of their …Read the Rest

Source:: Bearing Arms