|
May 5, 1998
Vol. 19. No. 3
Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.
|
May 5, 1998 Vol. 19. No. 3 Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers. |
|
Back issues
Plus in this issue catch more news, opinions, features, book reviews, and event calendars.
Pick up a copy today! Better yet, subscribe and never miss an issue! |
Giving up the car keys?
by Cathleen Haight Briefly, driving is not a right-it is a privilege which the state may grant or withhold. Older drivers don't automatically equal unsafe drivers. When asking a person to give up driving, we are asking a great deal. Driving and owning a car have symbolic meaning as well as practical significance. Public safety is a high priority-how well a person drives affects the lives of everyone else on the road. This workshop explored the significance of driving in our lives and age-related changes that can affect driving safety as a person ages. It outlined considerations in approaching an older person about his or her driving. Most people will not have to give up driving with age. For those who do give it up, it can be a significant change and can cause great sorrow-a loss even greater if the change isn't voluntary. Common age-related changes include slower reflexes and coordination. Perception declines and information processing slows. People tire more easily. Medications can affect skill and judgment behind the wheel. Older people are more susceptible to injury and death when involved in a car accident. Options are available when people quit driving. In our area, Dial-A-Ride, We Care and Caravan (for medical transportation), volunteer drivers, available family members, neighbors and hiring someone else to drive. All too often when a person gives up driving, family and friends encourage selling the car. But for some, it's important to keep the car-people feel less dependent if they can offer their car when they must depend on others for transportation.
Cathleen Haight, RN, PHN, is a case manager for the Multi-Purpose Senior Services Program of the Humboldt Senior Resource Center. One-time article Copyright 1998 by Humboldt Senior Resource Center. |
Senior News
Dial-A-Ride: Eureka service takes people where they need to go