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The Choy of Sam |
| Sam Choy’s philosophy about cooking is simple:
Make it fun! |
The Final Journey |
| With the help of hospice, death can be a peaceful, dignified, even joyful experience. |
DEPARTMENT:
Kokua Corner
Should Seniors Sit in the Driver’s Seat?
As we age, we begin to lose mobility in our arms, neck and shoulders. Our vision also worsens. In short, we begin to lose the visual, mental and physical acumen that’s required to handle the demands of everyday driving. Thus, getting behind the wheel of a car becomes not only stressful, but potentially dangerous.
In Hawaii, drivers must renew their license every six years until they reach age 72. Thereafter, they must renew it every two years. To receive their renewal, they must pass a vision test. If they fail the vision test, they need to submit a doctor’s letter attesting their vision is at least 20/40 in one eye.
Statistics show that the number of drivers involved in accidents tends to decrease as they age. Older drivers usually buckle their seat belts, get fewer citations for speeding, and are seldom charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Still, their reduced physical and mental function can affect driving performance.
Seniors often refuse to relinquish their car keys because they realize that if they do, they will lose most of the independence they enjoy. They won’t be able to go to the grocery store, the movies or run errands whenever they please. Elderly people may not cooperate with concerned friends and family members who are strongly urging them to stop driving.
The best way to handle this situation is to sit down with your loved ones and discuss how you and others can help them. It might mean doing some of their chores and errands or providing transportation when they need to get around town.
Don’t allow seniors to drive if they haven’t taken the proper eye tests or passed a driver safety test. You also should observe their driving skills firsthand. Their safety — as well as others on the road — is a very important reason why you should to step in and assist in whatever way you can.
Consider enrolling them in AARP’s Driver Safety Program, America’s first and largest driver improvement course designed for motorists aged 50 and older. Participants don’t have to be a member of AARP to take the course, and there is no final test to pass. The course is taught in two four-hour sessions, the fee is $10 and classes are offered year round at various locations on Oahu. Call 843-1906.
Launched this year, AAA Hawaii’s Roadwise Review: A Tool to Help Senior Drivers Drive Safely Longer also offers assistance to senior drivers. In the privacy of their home, they can use this computer program to test certain mental and physical abilities to determine any changes they may need to make in their driving habits.
Working
with a partner, users complete eight screening measures at their own
pace. To help detect slight changes in abilities, Roadwise Review
should be done once or twice a year. Cost is $5 for AAA members and
normally $7 for non-members, but if you go to AAA’s office and
mention this article, you can get it for $5 whether you’re a
member or not. Call 593-2221.
Percy Ihara is a Certified Senior Advisor. If you have questions you would like him to address, contact him at 368-6747 or pihara@financialfreedom.com.