Who told you that and why did you believe them?
If you are too old to run and too weak to fight you should be armed 24/7. In the shower, at the dinner table, definitely when out in public.
That's why Granny always wore a frilly apron. The front pocket was large and generous enough for a snubbie, which was ready at hand whenever she needed it.
Best regards,
lololol I wish I had a granny like that