For many retirees, a trip to the grocery store or pharmacy is part of a normal day. Parking lots may feel like safe, everyday spaces, but they are one of the most common places for crimes such as robberies and assaults. Seniors, in particular, are often seen as easier targets because criminals assume they’re distracted or less physically capable of resisting. But knowing how to respond if you sense someone following you can make all the difference. Preparation and awareness turn fear into confidence.
Stay Calm and Gather Information
The first and most important step is to stay calm. Panic makes it harder to make smart choices, while observation gives you the upper hand. Take note of how long the person has been behind you, how close they’re walking, and whether they change direction when you do. Sometimes, what feels like following may just be a coincidence. Observing calmly helps you decide whether you’re in danger or simply sharing the same path. Seniors who remain alert project confidence, which can deter would-be attackers.
Move Toward People, Not Cars
When alarm bells go off, many instinctively head straight for their cars. But in reality, this often isolates you—exactly what a potential criminal wants. Instead, seniors should head back toward the store entrance, a busy crosswalk, or any area with other people. Criminals dislike attention, and being near crowds lowers your risk. If possible, make direct eye contact with employees or security guards and signal concern. Visibility is one of the best deterrents.
Keep Keys and Phone Ready
Fumbling for keys or searching for your phone while walking through a parking lot makes you look distracted. Instead, seniors should have both ready in hand before leaving the store. Keys can help you enter your vehicle quickly—or even serve as a last-resort self-defense tool if held firmly. Keeping your phone accessible means you can dial 911 immediately if needed. Even showing you’re prepared discourages criminals who prefer easy targets.
Use Your Voice as a Shield
If the stranger continues following you, don’t stay silent. Speaking loudly, such as saying, “Stop following me!” or “I need help!” not only startles the person but also alerts anyone nearby. Criminals rely on hesitation and silence to maintain control. Drawing attention puts them at risk of being identified. Even if the situation turns out to be a misunderstanding, speaking up is better than letting fear keep you quiet.
Enter Your Car Safely—Then Leave Immediately
If you believe you can reach your car safely, do so quickly but without fumbling. Unlock only the driver’s side door, get in, and lock it immediately. Avoid sitting inside to check your phone, count receipts, or arrange groceries. These are vulnerable moments when criminals often strike. Once inside, drive away rather than staying parked. Leaving the area removes you from risk entirely.
Call for Help Without Delay
Too many seniors hesitate to call 911 because they worry about “overreacting.” But police officers consistently say they’d rather respond to a false alarm than arrive after a crime. If you feel unsafe, call right away. Provide your exact location, description of the person, and the behavior that concerned you. Even if the stranger walks away, reporting suspicious activity can help protect others in the community.
Trust Your Instincts Every Time
Perhaps the most important rule is to listen to your gut. Seniors often suppress instincts out of politeness, not wanting to seem rude or paranoid. But instincts exist for survival. If something feels wrong, it’s worth acting on. Walking back into the store, asking for an escort, or calling the police is always better than ignoring your inner alarm. Trusting instincts doesn’t make you fearful—it makes you prepared.
Why Preparation Protects Independence
Parking lots don’t have to be places of anxiety for retirees. By practicing situational awareness, keeping essentials ready, and knowing when to seek help, seniors can shop with confidence. Safety is not about living in constant fear but about being ready to respond wisely. With preparation, even a frightening situation can be managed effectively. Independence in retirement depends on not just routines, but also resilience.
Have you ever felt like someone was following you in a parking lot? What did you do? Share your story in the comments to help other seniors stay safe.
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Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.
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