K.L.
Its for protection just in case someone tries to attack them or dogs get too close. BUT,, A lady who walks down my street everyday for the exercise said a cane can make you look weak and vunerable and more likely to attract the attention of an attacker because he/she sees you as an easy mark. This gal carries a golf club on her walks instead. She can swing it better than some flimsy "pretty" cane, and do some real damage to someone trying to bother her. Nothing like an 8 iron to stop a guy in his tracks.