Page 25 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - December 2018 - 25-12

From The
Senior Times - December 2018
Page 25
Christmas Blessings
To You and Yours
105 Capital Ave, NE • 269-962-5527 • www.farleyestesdowdle.com BATTLE CREEK | AUGUSTA | RICHLAND
LET’S TALK ABOUT DRIVING
So you, or your loved one, are still on the road. Maybe you are a safe driv- er; maybe not. Having that conversation is a good first step, but most people aren’t talking. Fear can keep families silent. But avoiding the conversation doesn’t make the issues go away. There are lots of options out there, both to keep seniors safely on the road longer as well as to prevent isolation when they do give up driving.
Research conducted by Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care® franchise net- work, indicates that surveyed seniors are still very active on the road, with nearly two-thirds driving three to five days a week, and more than half aver- aging more than 25 miles per week. In particular, seniors in their 70s are more likely than those in their 80s to drive at least once a day. Those in their 70s also tend to feel more comfortable driving themselves.
The survey results reiterated that seniors are heavily dependent upon hav- ing a car and driving (particularly those in their 70s vs. those 80+). Driving gives them independence and freedom to do what they want, wherever and whenever they want. Therefore, it’s
not surprising that this loss of indepen- dence, along with an increased reliance on family and friends to get around, are the things that most concern them with losing their ability to drive. To that end, nearly half of these seniors are at least somewhat concerned with losing their driving ability.
For the active driver... driving
at night is a primary concern senior drivers have; nearly half are less com- fortable with this than they used to be. Other concerns include driving during rush hour, on the highways, and in downtown areas. Knowing these con- cerns creates an opportunity for a con- versation starter.
While nearly one-third of surveyed seniors 70 and older who were still driving said that a recommendation from family or friends may make them reconsider driving, most of these older adults have not had these conversations.
Surprisingly, the majority of for- mer drivers (85%) voluntarily stopped driving. The factor most often prompt- ing this decision was a medical issue/ change – such as a medication change, a reduction in eyesight, etc. – leaving them no option.
Approximately three-fourths of surveyed former drivers say that, since giving up driving, they most often rely on family members who are close by and able to drive. Friends are also an alternative source of transport.
“Driving does not equal mobili- ty,” says Elin Schold Davis, Project Coordinator, AOTAOlder Driver Initiative, American Occupational Therapy Association. “It’s one way to get from point A to point B. It’s important to know that giving up driving is not giving up engagement in the community, recognizing that exploring and becoming comfort- able with alternatives will take some work.”
Being without wheels doesn’t need to spell isolation or giving up spon- taneity. If an older adult has given up driving, it doesn’t mean that life has lost its meaning or enjoyment. Nearly half of all former drivers surveyed said that, all things considered, giving up driving made no impact on their lives. Roughly three in 10 even said they did not miss driving.
Being prepared with new options makes all the difference. Regardless of our age, we all have important things to do and places to be such as family events, doctor appointments, and the grocery store. BrightFocus Foundation recommends that a senior driver pre- pares to stop driving, when determined necessary to do so, by coming up with new transportation options.
For example:
• Ask family and friends if they would
be willing to be a driver in exchange
for a meal out.
• Are there senior ride programs, or
reduced fare programs in your area? Check with your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more about these types of programs.
• Look for services that cater to those who are no longer driving such as hair stylists and doctors who make house calls, and grocery stores and pharma- cies that deliver.
• Carpooling isn’t just for kids. Get together with a senior’s friends to come up with options.
Taking the budget that a senior used to maintain a vehicle can be spent to hire a driver to take them wherever they want to go. Or make public transportation a new adven- ture. Take a friend or family member along on some trial runs with a per- sonal driver or by bus, taxi, or Uber.
You can transition to a fun and ful- filling life without a car. If it’s time and you’re not sure how to make the adjust- ment reach out to discuss it with your loved ones.
Let’s Talk about DrivingSM features a wealth of resources for older adults and their families, whether they are still on the road or have given up the keys.
THE YELLOW
TRUCK PEOPLE
PUBLISHER
Sherii Sherban, Special to Senior Times
Co-Owners:
Thomas J. Unger, ACSW Patricia D. Slayton, RN, MSN
5350 Beckley Rd, Suite D
(Side door of Southern Michigan Bank & Trust)
269-883-6002 www.homecaretransitions.net
Best Wishes For A Merry Christmas!
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