why not take several styles of martial arts and explore the different techniques?
I have training in martial arts and also have weapons training.
I don't carry a gun everywhere, but even in old age I will have the training that may save my life one day in case of attack, or at least give me an edge.
My children will have to learn self defense. We can't carry guns everywhere, to the bathroom, to the store, to the movies???
What if someone takes that gun away?
Verbal judo is a valuable tool also.
Knives are my favorite, easy to carry and useful for other things.