I went to graduate school in my 40s/early 50s and requested a disabled parking pass from the university. It was denied. That was 20 years ago. I wonder if that might have changed. I know I would be more assertive now. Often I had to park a couple of blocks from the entrance and was inclined to swivel a bit while walking. There was no way I could have heard anyone coming up behind me.

You have every reason to be concerned. That is especially true if you live in an area where it's standard to feel unsafe.

I also suggest you have pepper spray with you and be alert to anything unusual going on in the area. There's no doubt that some places are safer than others. If someone will walk you to the car, take advantage of that. Stay alert. Wear your hearing aids.

Other than that, there really isn't much more you can do except to avoid being out in such situations which isn't practical in many cases.

Many of us can identify with the feelings you express.