Do You Need To Stop Driving?

By Norley Hall

In recent articles we have been examining various problems that plague seniors and which may inhibit their driving abilities. We have looked at possible solutions to some of the problems. In this article we will look at the problems of diminished strength, coordination and flexibility. These items can have a major impact on your ability to function while driving and may greatly impair your ability to safely control your car.

Take a moment and check the following situations and see if they may be applicable to you. Do you have any of these symptoms of decreased physical fitness? Do you have trouble looking over your shoulder to change lanes or looking left and right to check traffic at intersections? Do you have trouble moving your foot from the gas to the brake pedal or turning the steering wheel? Have you fallen down-not counting a trip or stumble-once or more in the previous year? Do you walk less than one block per day? Can you raise your arms above your shoulders? Do you feel pain in your knees, legs or ankles when going up or down a flight of at least ten stairs?

Take heart. Even if you have answers you don't like to these questions there may be actions you can take to counteract the problems. With your doctor's approval, do some stretching exercises and start a walking program. Walk around the block or in a mall. Also, check health clubs, YMCAs, senior centers, colleges and hospitals for fitness programs geared to older people. If you have pain or swelling in your feet, have a doctor's examination.

Choose a car with automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes. See an occupational therapist or a certified driving rehabilitation specialist who can prescribe special equipment to make it easier for you to steer your car and operate the foot pedals. Eliminate your driver's blind spot by re-aiming your side mirror. First, lean your head against the window, then adjust your mirror outward so that when you look at the inside edge you can barely see the side of your car. If you use a wide-angle mirror, get lots of practice judging distances to other cars before using it in traffic.

Keep alert to sounds outside your car. Limit passenger conversation and background noises from the radio and stereo. If you wear a hearing aid, be careful opening car windows, as some people find drafts can impair the aid's effectiveness.