Nutrition and the Elderly

Nutrition

Eating well is important at any age. But health issues and physical limitations sometimes make it difficult for seniors, the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population, to get the nutrients they need for a balanced diet.

The importance of proper nutrition for seniors simply can't be understated. Poor nutrition can affect the mind, the body, the immune system and energy levels in ways you may not be aware of. The more you know about the aging factors that can affect eating habits, the easier it will be to ensure the person you care for maintains a healthy diet.

Mealtime Matters

We've collected a wide range of materials to help you recognize the warning signs of poor nutrition, understand the physical changes with age that affect appetite and digestion, and be aware of the lifestyle changes that can affect the way mealtimes are viewed. You'll find nutrition guidelines for mature men and women, a list of food staples every senior should have, and suggestions for making shopping, meal preparation and dining more enjoyable. In addition, there are tips for food safety, recommendations for transportation and budget issues, as well as discussions about the role diet plays in patients with diabetes, cancer and Parkinson's disease.

Please go to our sister site for more information: http://www.caregiverstress.com

State To Sound Alarm For Straying Seniors

A decade after California launched its Amber Alert program, which enlists citizen help in searching for missing children, the state will add a similar program for another of society's at-risk groups: its elderly.

It's called the Silver Alert program.

Starting Jan. 1, if a person age 65 or older with dementia or Alzheimer's disease is reported missing and believed to be in peril, local police will have the authority to ask the California Highway Patrol to issue an electronic bulletin asking for public, news media and broader law enforcement help to find the person.

California joins an estimated 30 states with Silver Alert programs, acknowledging a growing issue for the nation as the population ages and the number of people suffering from some form of dementia increases.

It's about time, said Joseph Murphy of Tracy, a member of the California Senior Legislature, who has been pushing for years for an alert program.

"California is usually a national leader," Murphy said. "But this time they were dragging their feet."

As the massive wave of baby boomers ages, California's 65-plus population is projected to double from 4.5 million to 9 million in the next 20 years.

An estimated 500,000 seniors now are living with some level of dementia, a number expected to double by 2030, according to former state Sen. Elaine Alquist, the Santa Clara Democrat who authored the Silver Alert law, Senate Bill 1047.

The new law differs from Amber Alerts in several respects. Amber Alerts often are triggered when a child is believed to have been abducted. Silver Alerts are likely to be triggered when older people wander or drive away from their homes or nursing facilities – a practice common among people with moderate to severe dementia.

Advocates for the elderly say it is critical to track down a missing wanderer in the first 24 hours. Many will walk or drive for hours, even if they are feeble. They may fail to eat, may not be dressed for inclement weather, and generally won't ask for help. They may need medications for their health.

"If not found within 24 hours, up to half of wandering seniors with dementia suffer serious injury or death," a state legislative analysis said.

Ruth Gay of the Alzheimer's Association of Northern California said wandering happens when a person becomes confused and fails to recognize his surroundings. The person typically will set out looking for familiar surroundings, or "home," even if that home is a childhood residence he hasn't lived in for decades.

The stories have become commonplace:

• A south Sacramento man leaves for a short walk and comes out of his fog hours later, 10 miles from home, completely lost.

• A man driving to Los Angeles forgets he is traveling with his wife and leaves her at a roadside restaurant. He is found three days later, on foot and confused at the Mexican border.

• An elderly Bay Area man drives aimlessly for 36 hours, gets in two crashes and is finally stopped by police and ticketed for driving the wrong way on a street.

Law author Alquist said the state needs to continue to expand its safety net for the elderly.

"When we think of the number of baby boomers out there, it is a train wreck in the making if we don't figure out ways to protect our seniors," Alquist said.

Her law will sunset at the beginning of 2016, but can be extended by legislative vote if officials determine it is useful.

Some other states' Silver Alert systems apply to missing people of all ages, acknowledging the fact that some people in their 50s and even younger suffer from confused thinking and dementia. Alquist said she wrote her bill limiting California's program to people 65 and older, for now, to reduce opposition from state officials who worried about the potential cost and burden of a more expansive program.

Under the new law, the CHP, once contacted by local law enforcement, will determine if the case is dire enough to be posted on electronic bulletins, including messages to news media and neighboring law enforcement agencies.

Unlike Amber Alerts, missing seniors' information won't be posted on freeway signboards. Television and radio stations will have the option of whether to interrupt programming to broadcast the alert.

According to state officials, an alert will be activated if "the person is missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances," and if law enforcement "believes the person is in danger due to age, health, mental or physical disability, environment or weather conditions."

The alert can be triggered also if the elderly person is "in the company of a potentially dangerous person, or there are other factors indicating that the person may be in peril."

While the system is expected to receive widespread publicity, officials said alerts may not be activated very frequently.

Amber Alerts for missing children have been triggered only 200 times in the decade that system has been in place. The state also has a Blue Alert system, which can be activated when a law enforcement officer has been killed or assaulted by someone who has fled.

Sacramento city police officials said they regularly get calls about missing adults, but most of those are quickly resolved and often are based on miscommunications. City police Detective Chris Bernacchi estimated that about 10 reports of elderly people who disappeared last year would have met the criteria for the new alert.

"It will be helpful to get everybody on the same page," said Bernacchi. "Anything that will get more information to the public to assist us in locating a missing person is great."

Article c/o:  http://www.sacbee.com/2012/12/20/5066553/state-to-sound-alarm-for-straying.html

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/12/20/5066553/state-to-sound-alarm-for-straying.html#storylink=cpy

Senior Safety For Halloween

The fun of Halloween can be exciting for most but the pounding on doors is nerve-wracking for seniors who worry masked villains will take note that an elderly person is frail and living alone. 

If you are a caregiver and/or loved one of a senior, or a senior themselves, one way to avoid problems is to have a caregiver, younger relative or neighbor drop by to help you greet trick-or-treaters. The presence of a young or middle-aged adult will deter troublemakers and give the impression there is more than one person living in the home.

Another option for seniors is to leave a note on the door that reads something like "Candy for this house is being passed out  300 Clyborne Street next door, collect your trick or treat there."   You have the option of either passing out candy with the neighbors or simply giving the candy to the neighbor to pass out on your behalf.

Keep a chain lock in place when opening a door. Candy can be passed through the limited opening the chain provides.

It's not a good idea to simply turn off lights and keep a house dark to dissuade trick-or-treaters. A dark house is an invitation for burglars and vandals. Turn on the interior and exterior lights, even if you will not be home or you choose not to answer the door.

Finally, never let an unknown trick-or-treater into your home to use the bathroom or make a phone call. Make up an excuse such as "I have company right now, this isn't a good time, but you can try so-and-so's house," and refer them to a neighbor's home where there are multiple adults.

Halloween should be fun, safe and enjoyable for all.  use these tips and have yourself a Happy Halloween.

Elderly Woman Scales Everest

Swimmer Dara Torres, 45, is still sprinting in the pool; she is a favorite to qualify for her sixth Olympics when trials begin next week.

Pitcher Jamie Moyer, 49, is still striking out batters; he became the oldest pitcher to win a game in the majors in April and followed with another win for the Colorado Rockies in May. Now, the Baltimore Orioles have their eye on him.

Not bad, right? Now add more than 20 years.

Japanese mountaineer Tamae Watanabe, 73, is still climbing; she set a world record last month, becoming the oldest woman to scale Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. She broke her own record, set when she was 63.

Expect more like these, fitness experts say -- exceptionally healthy adults who are transforming our image of aging.

"My guess is that as more people 'age up' who have been active their whole lives and are really committed, we will see more interesting things from people in the 60-to-80 age range," says Michael Joyner, a Mayo Clinic anesthesiologist and a specialist in exercise science in Rochester, Minn.

And maybe, he adds, they will inspire a nation where many sit all day in front of a computer.

Few of us will ever come close to these exceptional levels of fitness at any age, but what stops so many people from staying fit as they grow older? Exercise physiologist Barbara Bushman says 24% of adults over 65 are totally inactive, and fewer than 40% meet the baseline recommendations for exercise (150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, such as jogging or swimming.)

"The short answer is that most of society is not pushing themselves hard enough," Joyner says. "However, at the same time, there is this emerging subgroup of fit or super-fit middle-aged and older people who are redefining things."

When Janet Evans, 40, started her comeback last year after 15 years off Olympic-level swimming, Joyner said, "This is the whole new normal emerging."

How much does it help?
He notes that motivation and resilience "are the key."

But in a society where obesity is an epidemic, what kind of extra motivation do we need?

"Regular physical activity can favorably influence a broad range of body systems and may be a lifestyle factor that discriminates between those who experience successful aging and those who do not," says Bushman, a professor of kinesiology at Missouri State University and co-author of the American College of Sports Medicine's Complete Guide to Fitness and Health.

Some scientists go so far as to say exercise actually slows aging. A 1990 study comparing masters athletes and sedentary people found that those who continue to engage in regular vigorous exercise show just half the rate of decline in maximal aerobic capacity as sedentary people. Recent research shows aerobic activity is important for healthy cognitive function. And regular exercise eases the stiffness and pain of arthritis.

Sports doctor and triathlete Jordan Metzl knows this firsthand. He says he has some arthritis, but exercise helps him. In his new book, The Athlete's Book of Home Remedies, he has a section on strengthening exercises you can do at home to help protect ligaments and joints.

They aren't 20 anymore
Most of us begin to notice physical decline in our mid-30s, but it doesn't have to be all or nothing, Bushman says.

Evans, who follows the latest research on training methods, says she has had to take better care of herself, including getting more sleep, shedding a few pounds and taking more time to recover between workouts than when she was younger.

Though Evans hasn't suffered any career-threatening injuries, Torres and Moyer haven't been as lucky. Moyer missed the 2011 season after having ligament replacement surgery, and Torres has had multiple surgeries, including an innovative procedure after the 2008 Olympics on her left knee to regenerate cartilage. Before that, she couldn't walk without a limp, and the muscles in her leg were atrophying.

"There have been isolated examples of exceptional feats by people in their 40s and 50s for many years," Joyner says. "These are happening more often and are more widely noticed."

When Bushman heard about Watanabe, she laughed and said, "Now that is successful aging."

"Although not everyone has interest or ability to achieve a feat like climbing Everest, people of all ages can take steps today to develop a complete exercise program," Bushman adds.

She recommends a focus on aerobic exercise for cardiovascular fitness, resistance training for muscular fitness, flexibility exercises, and neuromotor training for balance, agility and coordination. "No one is too old, or too young, to invest in their future health."








Article care of:  http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/325656/71/73-year-old-woman-scaling-Everest-proves-you-can-age-well-

Strength For The Moment

Home Instead Senior Care’s Co-Owner Lori Hogan has such a heart for seniors and caregivers. 


Looking forward to reading the caregiver stories in her new book!

Featured Story of Caregiving

The Ladder of Love

Mom was only seventy-one, in great health, fun-loving, vivacious, and outgoing when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Strange as this may sound, that diagnosis was a relief! She and we knew something was wrong, so we were all relieved to learn that there was a medical reason for her forgetfulness. Mom had enough wits about her to worry that others might think she was just dumb or forgetful. …Read Full Story

For more information: http://www.strengthforthemoment.com/

Is America Failing Our Nation's Seniors?

In 2008, the Meals On Wheels Association of America released the results of a groundbreaking research report entitled "The Causes, Consequences and Future of Senior Hunger in America" that our Foundation had commissioned. The findings of the co-principal investigators, Dr. James Ziliak of the University of Kentucky and Dr. Craig Gundersen then of the University of Iowa, were shocking and unacceptable. In 2001, the research showed, five million seniors in the United States, or one in nine, were facing the threat of hunger. The next year, we asked the same researcher examine several more years of date and update the report. By 2007, the number of seniors facing the threat of hunger was six million. Any reader who can do the math knows that is a 20 percent increase in just six years. But without context, the average reader might not be able to grasp the magnitude of the number. Let me give some context. There are 33 states in this country that each have total state populations of less than 6 million.

Is America failing our nation's seniors? And if we are moving in the clearly wrong direction where senior hunger is concerned today, what of the future?

The baby boomers (and I am one of them) are now entering the ranks of older persons, and it is safe to assume that we will be a demanding lot, constantly in search of more and different kinds of services. We will not likely want to live in assisted living or the even less desirous nursing home environment as generations before us have. Rather, we will want to live independently in community settings. Yet that raises a critical question: Can community-based organizations and the concomitant services needed keep up with the demand? Or will America, having failed to turn the tide on senior hunger with the current generation continue down the path of failure with the next-- and much larger-- generation of our nation's seniors?

It is easy to focus on the short term view of the past, the last couple of decades that have seen a faltering economy that went from great highs to unparalleled, sustained lows and a burgeoning population of older adults, and to lay the blame here. But we have seen depression in the place of deep recession in the more distant past. And we have seen population surges like that of the last century, not driven by birth rates, but by immigrants who came to these shores seeking a better life. Many of those numbers of older persons, like my own grandparents who came into his vast, wonderful land of ours, this great melting pot, seeking the American dream. Even with its own troubles, America did not fail them.

But it is different for millions of older Americans today. At least 6 million in 2007; and while we do not have more current research to account for the impact of the economy of the past several years on seniors, one researcher has suggested that the real number of those facing hunger's real, ominous and daily threat might be 30 percent higher.

All the while, when the national attention, or should I say national debate, turns to seniors and senior issues, the discussion seems confined primarily to Social Security and Medicare - "their programs," those entitlements to which individuals who have paid into the system look for help to sustain them in their elder years. They regard their payments to the trust funds as investments, and they expect to reap some advantages from those investments. Fair enough. But because these programs are entitlements -- which means both that they guarantee some benefit and that they are costly to the budget to maintain (particularly as there are fewer and fewer young people paying into the system than in years past) -- they have become the rallying cry for those who say "look at what we do for seniors. What more do they want?"

Well, sometimes it's not about what they want, but what they need. Feeding the hungry is not a response to an optional want. It's a moral obligation... and food is certainly something to which every man, woman and child is entitled. Plainly put, it's not good enough any longer for Meals On Wheels to be viewed as a feel-good, do-good social service program. Surely local Meals On Wheels programs are that, and they are integral parts of the fabric of every community. That is why the data show us that 99 percent of the American public views these programs positively. But that's not enough. Our elected officials love these programs, and we are grateful for that. At least once a year they are pleased to do a photo-op delivering a meal. But is once a year enough?

When budget issues arise in Congress and the two parties are duking it out on the floor of the Congress, Meals On Wheels generally comes up. But is it good enough to use the story of cutting off meals to seniors and then fail to make adequate funds available to meet the need, so that in the end, after the partisan sparring is over, Meals On Wheels programs in fact have to reduce the number of meals or the number of seniors they serve?

So, I ask the question again. Is America failing our nation's seniors? And, what do we do about it? We, at Meals On Wheels programs throughout the United States, continue to deliver the best services and meals that we can. We are asked to perform two separate tasks. First is simply to feed those seniors who would otherwise go hungry. Second -- and this sets Meals On Wheels and our services apart -- is to ensure that those being fed receive food that is nutritious; that meets government guidelines for nutritional composition; that is maintained at proper temperatures, even if they are being transported forty or more miles along with other meal deliveries being made to other seniors waiting for their food; that is medically, ethnically, and religiously appropriate; and that tastes good too.

Is America failing our nation's seniors? The statistics would say the answer is yes. But are we failing our nation's seniors? No. We are Meals On Wheels, and Meals On Wheels programs are not failing our nation's seniors. Our programs are a lifeline and an anchor for the hundreds of thousands of seniors who need a helping hand. Yes, we can and we will end senior hunger and provide nutritious meals at the same time. We have the courage of our convictions and we will stand up against those who would seek to shut us out and shut us down. There simply is no other option.

Stand with us. In this the richest nation on Earth no one should go hungry. We must not fail our nation's seniors. Stand with us in this fight.

Huffington Post Report by Enid Borden

Alzheimer's called 'defining disease' of baby boomers – The Chart - CNN.com Blogs

As any family who has gone through it can tell you, Alzheimer's disease is tragic on a number of levels. Once vibrant men and women become shells of the people they once were. Not only do memories fade, there also is anger. And loneliness. Former first lady Nancy Reagan famously referred to it as "the long goodbye."

As the first baby boomers turn 65 this year, a new report suggests they will be especially hit hard. One out of eight boomers will develop the disease, according to the report released by the Alzheimer's Association. That comes to about 10 million people. Of those who reach 85, nearly one in two will get it. "Alzheimer's is a tragic epidemic that has no survivors. It is as much a thief as a killer," says Harry Johns, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association, in a press release.

Currently Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Each year, it kills more Americans than breast and prostate cancer combined. Last year, Alzheimer's and other forms of dementias cost families, insurers and the government $172 billion. In 2050, researchers estimate, it will cost more than $1 trillion.

There is currently no treatment or cure for Alzheimer's. Officials with the Alzheimer's Association say it's time for the government to start spending more to fund research. They point to the money spent on cancer and AIDS and the strides made in treatment.

"When the federal government has been focused, committed and willing to put the necessary resources to work to confront a disease that poses a real public health threat to the nation – there has been great success," says Robert. J. Egge, vice president of public policy of the Alzheimer’s Association. "In order to see the day where Alzheimer’s is no longer a death sentence, we need to see that type of commitment with Alzheimer’s."

Alzheimer's called 'defining disease' of baby boomers – The Chart - CNN.com Blogs

Senior Driving Safety Tips, Warning Signs and When To Know To Stop

Driver safety is an important and often sensitive issue for seniors. The changes of normal aging can sometimes interfere with the ability to drive. Learn to reduce these risk factors. Drive safely longer by taking care of your health and incorporating safe driving practices. However, safety must come first. If you need to reduce your driving or eventually give up the keys, it doesn’t mean the end of your independence. With help from family, friends, community resources, a positive outlook, and personal action, you can remain mobile without driving.

Facts about driving and aging

Everyone ages differently, so some people can continue to drive into their seventies, eighties, and even beyond while others cannot or should not. However, the statistics on older adults and driving can be sobering.

Older adults and accidents

Statistics show that the elderly are more likely than other drivers to receive traffic citations for failing to yield, turning improperly, and running red lights and stop signs—all indications of decreased driving ability. It is a fact that older adults are at higher risk for road accidents than other age groups. Older drivers are more likely to get into multiple-vehicle accidents than younger people do, and the accidents are more dangerous for them than for younger drivers. A person 65 or older who is involved in a car accident is more likely to be seriously hurt, more likely to require hospitalization, and more likely to die than younger people involved in the same crash. Truth is, fatal crash rates rise sharply after a driver has reached the age of 70.

Environmental factors

There are environmental factors as well. These affect people of all ages and include signs and road markings that are difficult to see or read, complex and confusing intersections, older vehicles that lack automatic safety features, and newer dashboard instrument panels with multiple displays. Such factors are often amplified in those seniors who experience a decline in their ability to drive, and become very risky. For all of these reasons, you want to stay alert to your own driving experiences and be willing to admit and discuss any difficulties and concerns with a relative or someone else you trust.

Lessening aging risk factors that affect safe driving

It is easy to overlook problems that develop slowly over time because we typically accommodate our daily activities to what we can comfortably do. Consequently, issues like vision or hearing loss, decreasing physical activity, growing forgetfulness, or the impact of prescription and over-the-counter drugs are hardly noticed. Any one or a combination of these conditions can make driving hazardous.

Decrease risks by taking control of your health

The most important and positive action you can take is to decrease the driving risks associated with aging. Do not wait until problems become serious. Tending to your health and well-being on a regular basis can help in your efforts to stay independent and mobile. The most common risk factors related to safe driving are listed below along with suggested steps you can take:

Helping yourself drive safely
If you’re worried about...	Try the following...
Visual decline	Get eyes checked every year and make sure that corrective lenses are current. Keep the windshield, mirrors, and headlights clean, and turn brightness up on the instrument panel on your dashboard.
Hearing loss	Have hearing checked annually. If hearing aids are prescribed, make sure they are worn while driving
Limited mobility and increased reaction time	An occupational therapist or a certified driving rehabilitation specialist can prescribe equipment to make it easier to steer the car and to operate the foot pedals.
Medications	Talk with a doctor about the effects of medications you are taking on driving ability.
Drowsiness	Sleeping well is essential to driving well. If there are problems, try to improve nighttime sleep conditions and talk with a doctor about the effect of any sleep medications on driving.
Dementia and brain impairment	If there are any signs of dementia or brain impairment, limit driving and consult a doctor.

Driver Safety Tips

Aside from taking care of your health, you can take an active role in helping yourself or another senior to drive more safely.

• Find the right car and any aids you need for driving. Choose a vehicle with automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. Keep your car in good working condition by visiting your mechanic for scheduled maintenance. Be sure that windows and headlights are always clean. You can also see an occupational therapist for special driving aids that can help with physical problems.
• Take it slow and give yourself plenty of room. If cars are passing you on both the right and left lanes, you may be driving more slowly than you used to. Move into the slow lane so others can pass you safely. Also, to avoid problems if the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly, stay back about two car lengths. Be sure to yield the right of way in intersections. Older drivers also have a large number of accidents at intersections when making left turns. It is best to avoid them altogether by making successive right turns and keeping going around the block or blocks to get to your destination.
• Avoid distractions. In general, many accidents happen because of distractions like talking on the phone, tuning the radio, eating or drinking, reaching for something, turning your head to talk with a passenger or looking around at the scenery instead of the road. Even a few seconds of taking your mind off driving can be precarious.
• Avoid uncomfortable driving situations. Many older drivers voluntarily begin to make changes in their driving practices. For instance, you may decide to drive only during daylight hours if you have trouble seeing well in reduced light. If fast-moving traffic bothers you, consider staying off freeways, highways, and find street routes instead. You may also decide to avoid driving in bad weather (rain, thunderstorms, snow, hail, ice). If you are going to a place that is unfamiliar to you, it is a good idea to plan your route before you leave so that you feel more confident and avoid getting lost. Online services such as MapQuest, Google Maps, and Yahoo Maps can be very helpful.

Warning signs of unsafe driving

Driving is a complex function and problems can come up in a number of ways. If you begin to find driving more difficult than before, be alert for changes that make driving unsafe. If you notice any of the warning signs listed below, it is time to reassess your risks. If you are in a position to observe these in another driver, see if any of them are reflected in your own driving. It’s hard to do but extremely important. Many small warning signs of unsafe driving can add up to the decision to quit driving.

Unsafe driving warning signs

• Problems on the road. Abrupt lane changes, braking, or acceleration. Failing to use the turn signal, or keeping the signal on without changing lanes. Drifting into other lanes. Driving on the wrong side of the road or in the shoulder.
• Trouble with reflexes. Trouble reading signs or navigating directions to get somewhere. Range-of-motion issues (looking over the shoulder, moving the hands or feet). Trouble moving from the gas to the brake pedal, or confusing the two pedals. Slow reaction to changes in the driving environment.
• Increased anxiety and anger in the car. Feeling more nervous or fearful while driving or feeling exhausted after driving. Frustration or anger at other drivers but oblivious to the frustration of other drivers, not understanding why they are honking. Reluctance from friends or relatives to be in the car with the senior driving
• Trouble with memory or handling change. Getting lost more often. Missing highway exits or backing up after missing an exit. Trouble paying attention to signals, road signs, pavement markings, or pedestrians.
• Close calls and increased citations. More frequent "close calls" (i.e., almost crashing), or dents and scrapes on the car or on fences, mailboxes, garage doors, and curbs. Increased traffic tickets or "warnings" by traffic or law enforcement officers.

Why does my family keep nagging me about driving?

If relatives, friends or others begin to talk to you about your driving, it may be time to take a hard, honest look at your driving ability:

• A number of self-evaluation tools are available to help, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.
• You might choose to brush up on your driving through a refresher course. Safety courses are offered in many communities and on-line through the AARP Driver Safety course.
• Talk to your doctor. Your doctor should also be able to provide an opinion about your ability to drive safely, or refer you to a specialist for more intensive evaluation.

Adjusting to life without driving

Adjusting to life without a car may be tough at first. Hopefully you have participated in the decision to stop driving and found other ways to continue your routine activities. Some tips may help to make the transition.

Reach out to others

Many seniors have difficulty asking family and friends for rides; others have problems accepting offers of rides. Be pro-active and work with them to make it comfortable for all. For example, it may be easier to adjust if you keep your car and have others drive it. That way the car will feel more comfortable and familiar and decrease the sense of loss. If you need a little support the first time or two that you ride the bus, senior ride or other form of transportation ask a family member or friend to ride with you until you feel more confident.

This is also a good time to reach out and connect to new people, many of whom may offer rides. Consider having groceries delivered and learn to shop on the Internet. There are many conveniences and lots of interesting information at your fingertips on the World-Wide Web. Contact a local senior center, adult schools, or community college, for special computer courses for older adults.

Stay positive

Use positive language to describe your situation. For example, think about the money saved on car insurance, maintenance, registration, and gasoline. It’s one of the advantages of giving up your car and leaves you able to pay for alternative transportation if necessary. Thinking about your transition as one that you can handle will speed the adjustment.

Talking to an older driver who should stop driving

If you find yourself in the position of talking to an older family member or friend about their driving, approach the issue with sensitivity. A driver’s license signifies more than the ability to drive a car; it is a symbol of freedom and self-sufficiency. Understandably, driving is not a privilege that anyone wants to relinquish willingly.

Some older drivers may be aware of their faltering ability, but still be reluctant to give up driving completely. Another person’s concerns may force the senior driver to act. They may even feel relieved to have someone else help make the decision to stop driving. Some seniors may forget that they aren’t supposed to drive. If that is the case, it is even more important to remove the car or the keys to make it impossible to drive.

When a driver refuses to give up the keys

Sometimes an older driver has to be stopped from driving over their objections. It might feel very difficult for you to make this call, especially if the senior is a parent or other close figure used to having their independence. However, their safety and the safety of others must come first. An unsafe driver can seriously injure or kill themselves or others.

If appropriate evaluations and recommendations have been made and no amount of rational discussion has convinced the senior to hand over the car keys, then you may make an anonymous report to the Department of Motor Vehicles or recruit the family physician to write a prescription to stop driving. In some cases, there is a need to take further actions such as taking away the car keys, selling or disabling the car, and enlisting the local police to explain the importance of safe driving and the legal implications of unsafe driving.

Transportation alternatives

If the decision is made to limit or stop driving altogether, it is essential to find alternative modes of transportation so that life remains as normal as possible. Getting out of the house is vital not just for practical reasons, but also for participation in every-day activities such as running errands, going to doctor and continuing to attend social and cultural events. If transportation is not available, it will be more difficult to give up driving. Become knowledgeable about transportation options, even before you reduce or stop driving. It will help facilitate the transition from driver to passenger.

Staying mobile without a car

An increasing number of innovative ways for seniors to get around without a car are available. These include:

• ride-sharing with friends and relatives
• public transit: buses, subways, and light rail
• community shuttles
• taxis, limousines, and chauffeur services
• private drivers
• specialized transit for seniors
• bicycles or tricycles (you can find large tricycles made for adults)
• walking
• motorized wheelchairs for nonambulatory seniors

For help in finding transit services, check local resources including senior centers and services agencies, faith-based organizations, your city or county Area Agency on Aging, an adult day service center, volunteer transportation programs and hospital discharge planning departments. When contacting these services, be sure they cover recreational outings as well as necessary errands. Both are important to your overall well-being.