All women should be taught to shoot, and to always carry - Locked, loaded, and in the hand when alone or in the car.
My daughter is one of the above.
Not going to happen in CA unless we rock some court cases here...
But women at 86 are often frail and may, unless they grew up with them, have no interest in guns or even the strength to carry them. What they need to do is be aware of their situation at all times and take no chances. Doors and windows must be locked at all times and if they go for a walk, make sure it is not in deserted areas. The more people walking, the less chance for trouble.
I have a friend who just loves to walk at twilight in deserted parks! She’s been lucky so far and yet she taunts me about my ‘cowardice.’ I say common sense. Common sense above all. It is how I’ve lived in NYC for 40 years without once being mugged or harmed.
In general a lot of folks are conceal carrying now. That’s why I think a couple of years ago the bros started targeting the really elderly thinking they will not be armed.