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Exploring Senior Transportation Options
Driving

Exploring Senior Transportation Options Copy

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom
It is important for seniors to remain active. So, senior transportation options are essential. Isolation can lead to loneliness, and isolation can occur when a senior or older adult stops driving. In addition, many seniors need reliable transportation in order to get to doctor’s appointments and purchase household items, such as groceries. Exploring Senior Transportation Options
Changes in life can bring discomfort. If you or an older adult you love has to give up driving, and fears losing their independence, talk through this transition with a counselor to explore options.

Connect with Friends and Family Members

Having active social connections is good for your health because you can help each other through good times (and bad) and offer support when needed. Sometimes that support can be transportation. Talk to friends and family members about their ability to help with errands, doctors’ appointments, and trips to social gatherings. Even if they aren’t able to help, they may know someone who can.
Besides, a weekly trip could be a wonderful way to strengthen relationships you already have or bond with new people. Taking the time to connect with others—and in this case getting needed errands accomplished—is an essential part of healthy aging.

Reach Out for Community Support

If you are involved with a senior center or a place of worship, ask about senior transportation options. Many of these organizations have buses or rideshare programs in place to help elder adults continue to live alone. Sometimes services ask for contributions. While it may not be free, it could be an optimal solution and could even lead to new friendships.
Even if you don’t have a relationship already in place, you may be able to connect with a senior living facility. Some organizations allow seniors outside of their communities to benefit from their senior van routes, too. There may be a route they already have in place that could be just what you or a senior you love needs. Contact senior services agencies in your areas for information.

Look at Public Senior Transportation Options

Depending on where you live, public transportation may be an option. In cities with large, local transportation systems, you may even have access to paratransit buses. Unlike fixed-route service, paratransit buses provide transit to individuals in need of pre-arranged trips.
Also, typically, there are senior discounts for public transportation services. And, most buses have the equipment to transport wheelchairs and individuals in need of special attention smoothly and safely.
If you are worried about your own driving or are concerned about the driving abilities of someone you care about, it may be time to explore alternate senior transportation options. There are plenty of reasons to leave the driving to someone else, from hearing issues to slower reaction times and medications.
Explore your options and weigh your needs before committing to a senior transportation option. Every change in life takes some adjustment. Kendall Van Blarcom is a senior helping seniors. A dedicated professional, Kendall can help you, or a senior citizen you love, through the transitions of older adulthood.

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Driving

Helping Seniors Drive Safer, Longer

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Since 2011, nearly 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day, joining the fastest growing age group in the nation. According to a recent American Automobile Association (AAA) survey of that booming population, nearly half of seniors worry about losing their freedom and mobility when the time comes for them to transition from driver to passenger. Helping Seniors Drive Safer, Longer
From understanding how vision changes can affect one’s ability to drive at night, to researching the effects certain medications can have on one’s driving ability, it’s important to get the facts about driving for seniors. Use these tips from AAA to help ensure you and your family members are driving safely:
EVALUATE YOUR DRIVING
While most seniors are experienced drivers, it’s important to take time to consider one’s driving “health” and habits. For instance, how frequently do you wear a seatbelt? Do you use your signal and check for nearby traffic before changing lanes?
Does traffic cause you to feel anxious? When was the last time you had an eye exam? You can take a Driver 65 Plus self-assessment atwww.SeniorDriving.AAA.com to get a clear picture of just how good your driving skills really are, and you’ll also get suggestions for improving your driving.
BE AWARE OF HOW AGING AFFECTS DRIVING HABITS

From hearing and vision loss, to mental fitness and reaction time, seniors may not notice the gradual differences that can impact their driving ability. For instance, by age 60, your eyes need three times the amount of light to see properly as they do for people 20 years old, which means it’s more difficult to see at night. Likewise, one-third of Americans suffer from hearing loss by age 65. This can pose a problem, as senior drivers may be unable to hear high-pitched noises such as emergency response vehicles while on the road.
Reaction times can be slower for seniors as well. But preventative measures can go a long way.

  • When following other vehicles, seniors should increase the distance between their car and the car in front of them, to allow more time to react to sudden braking.
  • Eliminating distractions in the vehicle and avoiding heavy traffic can also help seniors identify emergency sirens, and avoiding driving at night is another safer option for seniors.

FIND THE RIGHT FIT
With the wide array of vehicles offering all sorts of convenience features, seniors may not realize that their car may not be optimally adjusted to fit them. For example, sitting too close to the steering wheel can interfere with steering and cause fatigue, as well as injury, should the airbag deploy during a collision.

  • Make sure you have at least 10 to 12 inches between your chest and the steering wheel.
  • When seated properly, you should be able to see the ground in front of your car within 12 to 15 feet and 1 1/2 car widths left and right.
  • Visit www.car-fit.org to assess the safety of your vehicle, find the proper seat and mirror adjustments and more.

TAKE A REFRESHER COURSE
No matter how many years a driver has been on the road, a refresher course can help reinforce the basics such as identifying road signs, as well as provide information on updated driving rules and new vehicle technologies.
TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AND PHARMACIST

Ensure that the medications you take – both prescription and over-the-counter – will not impair your ability to drive safely. In addition, make sure all your medications go through one pharmacy, so the pharmacists on staff can better assess any potential drug interactions.
To help older drivers and their families deal with driving and mobility challenges related to aging, AAA has launched a new website (www.SeniorDriving.AAA.com) to make a comprehensive suite of tools and resources available at the click of a button. From an Ask-the-Expert feature to Roadwise Review – an online screening tool that measures functional abilities (like vision and reaction time) linked to crash risk – and more, all of the features are free to site visitors. The site also offers links and resources to help families find other means of transportation when their loved one is no longer able to drive safely.
TOP 5 DRIVING TIPS FOR SENIORS

  1. Prepare for a drive by adjusting your mirrors and seat to ensure you can see properly. Always wear a seatbelt.
  2. Eliminate distractions, such as the car radio, which can interfere with your ability to hear emergency response vehicle sirens and other important sounds.
  3. Avoid driving in bad weather, heavy traffic or at night.
  4. Making left-hand turns can be difficult for people with limited vision. Avoid left-hand turns at intersections with signals by making three right hand turns around the block when possible.
  5. Manage slower reaction times by increasing the amount of space between your vehicle and the car in front of you, allowing for more time to react to sudden braking.

TIPS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS

If you’re concerned about the safety of a senior family member, look to resources such as their doctor or your local DMV, that can help identify their capacity to drive, and find transportation resources to help them manage daily needs:

  • If your family member has received two traffic citations, warnings or been involved in two collisions or “near misses” within a two year period, it may be time to look for other forms of transportation.
  • Make sure your family member speaks with their doctor and pharmacist about prescription and over-the-counter medications that may impair their ability to drive safely.
  • Talk with family members, friends and neighbors about organizing a car pool to help seniors who need rides find transportation. Look to local public and supplemental transportation options as well.

Read more about assessing your family member’s ability to drive, as well as where to find alternative transportation, at www.SeniorDriving.AAA.com.
Helping Seniors Drive Safer, Longer Helping Seniors Drive Safer, Longer Helping Seniors Drive Safer, Longer Helping Seniors Drive Safer, Longer

Helping Seniors Drive Safer, Longer

Helping Seniors Drive Safer, Longer

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Uber for Elders
Driving

Uber for Elders

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

There are many innovative smartphone apps out there, but perhaps one of the most popular is Uber. For those who are unfamiliar with this app, Uber immediately connects you to an Uber driver who takes you to your destination within minutes. Talk about convenience! U
ber for Elders
Even though the use of this app is most popular among young Millennials, Uber use among seniors has steadily increased over the past few years according to an article published in Forbes (written by an Uber driver himself).

A Great Option for Seniors

You may have heard the stereotype that seniors simply refuse to adapt to new technology, but this doesn’t seem to be the case as Uber is becoming viral among members of this age group. Although it may seem odd, Uber is an affordable option for seniors to regain their independence, especially for those who no longer feel comfortable behind the wheel. Seniors typically rely on family members or neighbors to drive them places, but this may not be an option for many since 22 percent of baby boomers are expected to become elder orphans with limited access to transportation. Already seniors who are unable to drive miss 15 percent of medical appointments. Luckily with Uber, all seniors have the opportunity to get a ride, whether it’s to a grocery store, doctor’s appointment or a get-together with friends or family. According to one Uber driver, seniors make up 40 percent of her clients, one of whom was a 93-year-old man who said, “I can go wherever I want – the road is endless with Uber.

The Benefits (And Some Drawbacks) of Uber
There are several reasons why Uber has increased in popularity among Millennials and seniors alike including:

  • Ease of Use. It may not seem like it when you first download the app, but Uber is extremely easy to use once you get used to it. If you don’t have a tech-savvy helper nearby, here are the simple steps to use Uber once the app is downloaded from the iPhone App Store or Google Play for Android smartphones:
    • Tap the screen to set where the Uber driver will pick you up.
    • Request the ride.
    • Enter your destination.
    • Once Uber picks you up, you’ll see the route the Uber driver will follow.
  • Uber is considered to be highly affordable, no matter what kind of budget you’re on. The cost of an Uber ride depends on the time and distance of the ride.

  • Helpful Features.     Features included in the app are Fare Estimation so you can get an idea of how much your trip will cost and a Split Fare option allows you to easily split the fare if you’re sharing the ride with a friend.

Despite these benefits, below are two of the biggest reasons why seniors are hesitant to use this app:

  • Safety Concerns. Three of the top concerns of Uber use among seniors are safety, legality and background checks of Uber drivers, but Uber is working to make it more accessible and safe for seniors (see below).
  • Technological Unfamiliarity. Even though Uber is easy to use, it can be difficult for seniors who never grew up with cell phones to transition into the tech-crazed society we live in.

These are all legitimate concerns, but they may disappear in the near future. Uber recently participated in the White House Conference on Aging where they announced that Uber will begin a trial program for senior outreach. This community-based program includes free tutorials and rides at previously determined senior centers and retirement communities.

Watch the video below to get a better idea of how Uber is increasing mobility options for the 26 million older adults who rely on others for mobility.

Author: Meghan Orner
Medical Guardian
https://www.facebook.com/MedicalGuardian
https://twitter.com/MedicalGuardian

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Driving

Winterizing Your Vehicle Can Save Cold Cash

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

cars-123919_640Winterizing Your Vehicle Can Save Cold Cash
The last thing any driver needs is a vehicle that breaks down in cold, harsh winter weather. Winterizing your vehicle should be a top priority, according to the Car Care Council, saving you from the inconvenience of being out in the cold and with the unexpected expense of emergency repairs. Winterizing Your Vehicle Can Save Cold Cash
“The thought of a breakdown, an engine not starting or otherwise being stranded is stressful as it is, but those things happening in freezing winter weather are extra stressful and costly,” said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. “An investment of an hour or two to have your vehicle checked is all it takes to have peace of mind and help avoid the cost and hassle of a breakdown during harsh weather.”
The Car Care Council recommends the following steps for winterizing your vehicle:

  • Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a general rule of thumb, this should be done every two years.
  • Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly. Consider winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.
  • Have the battery and charging system checked for optimum performance. Cold weather is hard on batteries.
  • Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads. During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.
  • Be diligent about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to a “winter weight” oil if you live in a cold climate. Have your technician check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.
  • If you’re due for a tune-up, have it done before winter sets in. Winter magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling.
  • Have the brakes checked. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item.
  • Get the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.
  • Check to see that exterior and interior lights work and that the headlights are properly aimed.

Motorists should also keep the gas tank at least half full at all times to decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing. Drivers should check the tire pressure of the spare in the trunk and stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, blanket, extra clothes, candles or matches, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication.
The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council’s Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

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Driving

A Good Driving Check List

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

car-482683_640Each year one in five drivers is involved in an automobile accident, according to the National Safety Council. Good driving starts before you put the key in the ignition.
Before you set out, make sure the driver’s seat, steering wheel, seat belts, head restraints and rear- and side-view mirrors are positioned for maximum comfort, control and visibility. Check your tire pressure and treads at least once a month, as worn tires and improper pressure can affect the steering and handling of your car and put you at risk for a crash. Check fluid levels for oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, water and gasoline. Always buckle up. Seat belts are effective in both high- and low-speed accidents, so be sure to wear them at all times.
The National Automobile Dealers Association reports that more than half of all accidents occur after dark, even though traffic is significantly reduced. When the sun sets, remember to:

  • Slow down. Reduce your speed at night to compensate for lost visibility and never over-drive your headlights.
  • Dim your high beams. In most states it is illegal to use high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle. Be considerate; dim your high beams to oncoming traffic as well as to vehicles you approach from the rear.
  • Use turn signals. Your chances of preventing an accident are greater if other drivers know what you are going to do well in advance of turning or making lane changes. And once you have used your signals, don’t forget to turn them off.

For enhanced driving confidence, consider changing your headlamps. Ultra-bright GE Nighthawk replacement automotive headlamp bulbs give consumers the brightest GE automotive lamps available and offer greater night driving confidence.
Available as sealed beams, capsules and fog lights, Nighthawk bulbs offer consumers 30 percent brighter light on average than the company’s standard lamps — putting maximum light on the road.
Consumers want more light both inside and outside their vehicles. GE Nighthawk interior and exterior convenience lamps produce 20 percent brighter light than GE standard lamps, providing maximum light where consumers need it. Brighter automotive lighting can make a big difference when consumers are strapping in the kids, reading a map or searching their glove box.
As consumers spend more time in their vehicles for business or pleasure, brighter lights can make a difference:

  • Navigating at night with brighter dome or map lighting
  • Finding all the essentials in the glove compartment
  • Locating everything you need in your trunk or cargo compartment
  • Outlining your car with brighter directional and sidemarker lights
  • Revealing the step up to your truck or SUV door
  • Illuminating your car’s parking lights for oncoming traffic
  • Reading license plates at night
  • Watching your speed with brighter instrument lighting
  • Locating all the essentials inside your car
  • Communicating with other drivers with brighter exterior directional lighting

For more information, visit www.gelighting.com. Click on Automotive Wizard to find the right automotive bulb for your vehicle.

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