I learned a long time ago to take my own car whenever I go somewhere with friends. I know, I know…this non-carpool attitude is not very pro-environment and, with today’s gas prices, it is not very economical. But if I am called away, I can leave immediately without relying on the courtesy of others or without leaving a passenger stranded. Being able to control my coming and going is powerful. My car provides me this independence. Giving up these driving privileges would be difficult.
As we age, however, our reflexes slow, our peripheral vision narrows, our night vision dims, and we become less coordinated. These physical changes can lead to problems with driving. Medications and illness can also lead to problem driving.
Because of these inevitable physical changes, older drivers are perceived to be dangerous drivers. This perception, however, is not accurate. Indeed, a nationwide poll conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research in June 2005, reveals that drivers 65 years of age or older are least likely to use unsafe driving practices, such as speeding or using a cell phone while driving. This poll also revealed that senior citizens are the least likely to have been in an accident in the last five years.
While age alone is a poor predictor of individual driving ability, there is a time in every elder’s life that the issue of continuing to drive needs to be addressed. When physical limitations make driving difficult, the elder – or his family – must face the decision of whether to lessen or stop driving. In these situations, a few modifications may lower the difficulty, allowing the elder to drive a little longer.
If your parent cannot see clearly over the dashboard, for example, buy a stiff seat cushion. There are also devises available to raise foot pedals, making them easier to reach. It may help to limit driving to daytime hours; familiar routes; short distances; and good weather.
Sometimes, however, the elder is too ill, weak, crippled or disoriented to continue driving at all. In her book, How to Care for Aging Parents, Virginia Morris writes, “When you decide that it’s not safe for your children to be in the car with Grandpa, you need to act. Get him off the road. When speaking with your parent about giving up driving, be sensitive to the gravity of what you are suggesting, to the implications, both practical and emotional, but remain firm in your resolve.” If you are unable to have this discussion yourself, seek the assistance of your parent’s doctor or other professional. It may be easier for your parent to hear this information and heed this advice, if it comes from a doctor.
Be ready with possible solutions for transportation problems. Family and friends may need to take on the driving of your elder. There is also reliable public transportation in Ardmore through SORTS Public Transportation [226-5730]. Moreover, many senior communities, assisted-living residences, and long-term care facilities offer their residents transportation to doctors, banks, and shopping.
For more information on senior drivers, see American Association of Retired Persons: www.aarp.org and American Automobile Association: www.seniordrivers.org
<end>
Leah – Just in case you need to know, I found the polling information in the July 7th issue of www.SeniorJournal.com
Also, I have a story suggestion for you. It is a sweet love story. Two of our oldest residents – both in their 90s – have fallen in love. Lonnie Eudy and Doris Newman walk around all day holding hands and doting on the other. They say that they waited a lifetime to find eachother.
--- Jessica
|
