Take proactive measures to stay behind the wheel
From the time we are excitedly old enough for our learner’s permit to when we officially pass our driver’s test, the ability to drive is so much more than just a means of getting around — it is a cornerstone of independence.
Being able to drive means not needing to rely on others to meet your needs, something of paramount importance, especially in today’s car-dependent world where families are more spread out than in decades past.
Yet, as we or our loved ones experience aging-related changes, driving can unfortunately become risky from a safety standpoint. How do we know when driving may no longer be safe for us or a loved one? What proactive measures can seniors take to remain behind the wheel as long as possible?
And for those older Chester County residents who are no longer able to drive, what transportation supports are available to them?
When is driving no longer safe?
The ability to drive safely does not decline solely because a person is older. Rather, driving often becomes unsafe for older adults because of physiological and cognitive changes that naturally tend to occur with aging. Such changes include:
• Changes in vision
• Hearing loss
• Reduced reaction time
• Joint and muscular stiffness
• Medication side effects If you or an aging family member are experiencing any of the above changes, you might notice an increase in near accidents, unexplained dents or scrapes on the body of the vehicle, less confidence behind the wheel or difficulty adapting driving to varying road and weather conditions.
Furthermore, individuals developing dementia might find themselves unable to remember where they were headed or how to get back home. If any of these factors are present with you or your loved one, it might be time to consider transportation alternatives.
How to remain a safe driver
According to the Mayo Clinic, several proactive measures can be taken to remain a safe driver:
• Stay — or become — physically active, which increases flexibility and strength
• Remain current and regular with your vision and hearing tests
• Limit driving to when road conditions are ideal; avoid driving at night or in poor weather
• Manage medications properly and be aware of any side effects that may affect your focus, alertness or ability to see the road
• Minimize distractions; if you have a cellphone, keep it off or stashed away
• Regularly refresh your driving skills; the AARP offers an online safe driver course based upon the state in which you live to keep your understanding of the rules of the road current
Transportation alternatives
In the event you or a family member are no longer able to safely drive, consider consulting the following resources for getting around in Chester County:
• Chester County Transportation Services: https:// www.chesco.org/1912/ Transportation
• Chester County Ride Guide: http://www.chescorideguide.org/paratransit.cfm
• Rover Community Transportation: https:// www.krapfbus.com/transportation/rover
• West Chester Area Senior Center: http://wcseniors.org/services-and-programs
Driving is a significant gateway to independence throughout life, but physical and cognitive changes resulting from aging can make driving unsafe and threaten that independence. Fortunately, not only are there are several ways to ensure driver safety as we age and thereby remain behind the wheel for as long as possible, but resources are also available for accessing transportation in the community when driving is no longer an option.
Located among tree-lined streets in the heart of downtown West Chester, The Hickman is both walkfriendly to a variety of destinations and near to community transportation, an arrangement that fosters independence and enables our residents to maintain a connection to the community in ways that are important to them. Call 484-760-6300 or visit www. thehickman.org for more information or to schedule a tour.