More and more adult children each year are facing the heart rending decision of taking the car keys away from elderly parents whose driving behavior has become a danger to themselves and others. This isn\’t an easy decision to make because it represents the older driver\’s sense of independence and dignity. For anyone facing this choice, there are some valuable tools to help you with your decision.

There is no set age at which a driver is no longer able to drive; some drivers maintain their vision, reflexes and physical abilities well into their 80s and 90s while others, due to diseases such as heart disease or diabetes may face the decision of giving up their license in their 50s. The data shows that older people, due to their fragility and health issues stand a greater chance of becoming a fatality in a traffic collision but the good news, from an Insurance Institute for Highway (IIHS) study released in December, shows that the death rate for older drivers declined steadily between 1997 and 2006 compared to drivers in other age groups. There is no definitive data showing why the death rate for older drivers has declined but it is felt that older drivers are \”self limiting\” their driving by no longer driving at night, making shorter trips and avoiding interstates. There is also a feeling that more drivers are surrendering their license on their own when they can no longer pass the vision test or they come to the conclusion on their own that they no longer possess the ability to drive safely.

For those that refuse to surrender their license, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) provides the following warning signs:

Feeling uncomfortable and nervous or fearful while driving

Dents and scrapes on the car or on fences, mailboxes, garage doors, curbs etc.

Difficulty staying in the lane of travel

Getting lost

Trouble paying attention to signals, road signs and pavement markings

Slower response to unexpected situations

Medical conditions or medications that may be affecting the ability to handle the car safely

Frequent \”close calls\” (i.e. almost crashing)

Trouble judging gaps in traffics at intersections and on highway entrance/exit ramps

Other drivers honking at you and instances when you are angry at other drivers

Friends or relatives not wanting to drive with you

Difficulty seeing the sides of the road when looking straight ahead

Easily distracted or having a hard time concentrating while driving

Having a hard time turning around to check over your shoulder while backing up or changing lanes

Frequent traffic tickets or \”warnings\” by traffic or law enforcement officers in the last year or two

The child, relative or caregiver concerned about the safety of an older driver should follow these steps:

Start a dialogue with the older driver expressing your concerns

Suggest that the driver limit their driving to avoid night driving or long trips.

Review any medications or medical issues that could diminish the driver\’s reflexes and vision or stress causing issues that could affect their driving behavior.

Travel along with the older driver and either videotape or keep notes of missed signs, near misses, confusion etc. Unless you need to intervene to prevent a collision, don\’t comment during the drive; it will only make the driver more nervous. Review your findings after the trip.

Consult with the driver’s doctors to see if any medical issues may limit the driver\’s abilities to drive safely.

Hold an intervention with family members and concerned friends to try to convince the driver to voluntarily stop driving.

If all else fails and you feel the situation is too dangerous, take the keys and remove the car.



 

You can also suggest to an older driver they complete a Mature Drivers course that focuses on accident prevention.   In some states this course provides mature drivers with an insurance discount and allows for a review of basic driver improvement.

I’ve researched thousands of web sites on my quest to find reliable and age-relevant resources for Boomers and seniors. I know how difficult it can be to find information on the net that’s accurate, trustworthy, user-friendly, and relevant to our 50something lifestyle. I’m committed to helping Baby Boomers and seniors discover the best content on the net, and I would never endorse a site that I wouldn’t use myself.

1. familydoctor.org http://familydoctor.org/

In addition to providing clear and concise senior health information, this site features a user-friendly format that’s easy to read

.2. Footsmart http://www.footsmart.com/

From the company that provides “smarter, better products for lower body health,” this user-friendly site allows Boomers to shop by brand, style, or by health condition.

3. Seniorclix http://www.seniorclix.org

Seniorclix provides national, state and community eldercare directories in addition to informative articles, brochures, and online courses that focus on the needs of seniors, family members, and caregivers.

4. Glam Girls http://www.cafeglam.com/

Clothes and fashion are a thorn in my side. The Glam Gals are the closest thing to my own personal shopper.

5. Sherrie Mathieson http://www.sherriemathieson.com/

I also love the age-appropriate style philosophy and timeless fashion tips of Sherrie Mathieson, a style consultant for people of all ages.

6. AARP Financial http://www.aarpfinancial.com/

Financial and retirement planning is a monumental challenge. Let the tools and resources at AARP Financial help you.

7. Overseas Adventure Travel http://www.oattravel.com

Explore out-of-the-way places in small groups led by fabulous tour guides who help you discover amazing places and unique experiences. OAT is also great for single travelers who can pay the low-cost single supplement or be matched with a roommate for further savings.

8. Pandora http://www.pandora.com/

This free music site plays your music whenever you want it. Rediscover old favorite artists or find new ones by exploring recommendations based on your personal selections.

9. Home Energy Saver http://hes.lbl.gov/hes/makingithappen/mih.html

This offshoot of the U.S. Department of Energy helps consumers determine how much energy and money can be saved and how much emissions can be reduced by implementing energy-efficient improvements.

10. Better World Shopper http://www.betterworldshopper.org/

I’m all for making this world a better place and I love this site’s concept and fresh approach to rating corporations. Let Ellis Jones, author of The Better World Shopping Guide, show you how you can spend your dollar to make a difference in this world.

The popularity of senior housing nestled alongside golf course fairways is being challenged by seniors’-oriented apartments and condominiums within walking distance of college and university campuses. Called “university based retirement communities,” or UBRCs, these properties offer college coursework and a host of attractions and activities that many seniors find especially desirable.

Andrew Carle, an assistant professor and founding director of the program in Assisted Living/Senior Housing Administration at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, explains the phenomenon. “Boomers came of age in the dorms. They still go to the games, wear the sweatshirts, and love the idea of continuing education. People feel younger when they are surrounded by 20-year-olds. And they want the perks that come with college life: theater, classes, guest speakers, the library, even hanging out. This is the only model community that is intergenerational by definition. To me, it’s the future of senior housing.”

Numbers alone seem to support Carle’s opinion. Although AARP surveys have found that the vast majority of Baby Boomers don’t plan to move out of their homes or away from their communities when they retire, 10 percent of those aged sixty-plus actually do so. Considering the fact that there are 78 million Boomers, perhaps as many as eight million of them would consider a different lifestyle—including UBRCs.

Noting that there are more than 4,000 colleges and universities in the U. S., Professor Carle concludes that college- and university-affiliated housing “has the potential to be literally the future of senior housing in this country.”

Some of these properties offer assisted living housing, although most, according to AARP, are senior apartments or continuing care retirement communities. The appeal, of course, is the availability of college coursework, as well as such campus amenities as computer labs, fitness facilities, sporting events, and medical and dental services.

Here’s an example. Oak Hammock is a 270-unit independent living senior project situated on 136 acres at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Residents are issued campus identification cards that allow them unlimited use of campus facilities and activities. Oak Hammock’s Institute of Learning, a cooperative venture that involves the university and Elderhostel, provides continuing education coursework taught by university professors and experts in particular fields of study. Classes are held on the project campus, and are free to residents. Gainesville residents aged 55 and older are also eligible to attend.

The Institute of Learning offers classes in art and music appreciation, literature, creative writing, current events, philosophy, and many others, all of which have no prerequisites, tests or grades—even homework is optional. “The Role of the Media in the 21st Century,” “Ancient Peoples of the Western Hemisphere,” “Why Mathematics Really Does Count,’” “Energy for the Future,” and “Africa: A Continent in Change” are representative courses.

The 22,000-square foot, state-of-the-art, health club is outfitted with two heated pools, massage and physical therapy facilities, and is staffed by graduate students who serve as instructors and personal trainers. Wellness programs are available at the facility as well. There’s a 70,000-square foot Commons Area that features a theater venue, auditorium, art studios, and a business and computer center.

Oak Hammock boasts about its elegant dining, which is available in formal and casual settings. There’s also a sports bar and grill, and an ice cream parlor. There’s a pet park and an on-site veterinary clinic that provides routing checkups and pet-sitting. Transportation services and customized group travel packages and programs are provided. There are walking trails, gardens and lakes. Housekeeping services are available, and 24-hour security is provided, with gate-controlled community access.

In addition, the project offers a “Life Care” guarantee, which is a lifetime contract that provides unlimited access to assisted living, skilled nursing and memory support as these services become necessary. The Life Care program includes on-site wellness clinics and a rehabilitation center, all designed to help residents remain independent as long as possible.

College students also benefit by working on-site at UBRCs, or by serving in internships. Universities provide the communities with one-on-one training conducted by computer science majors, for instance, or ceramics or painting workshops taught by art students.

George Mason’s Carle, an unabashed fan of these projects, sums up the appeal of university-based retirement centers. “Schools find additional employment and work-related experiences for their students and maintain that connection between alumni and faculty,” he said. “Residents get an intergenerational, active, intellectually stimulating environment. It’s a win-win.”