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Here's How in Maturity
Challenges to driving solved by new research, recommendations | |
| By Leonard J. Hansen | |
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Driving is a concern to many mature adult readers. Here are two of your questions where we have gone to the experts to assist in our answers. Q. My daughter assumes that driving ability diminishes with the increase in gray hair. She says that now that I am 65 I should quit driving. How do I respond? A.If you’re healthy and fit tell her to take a walk. Chronological age does not determine one’s driving ability; your health and fitness are more significant factors. Yale University researched 283 drivers age 72 to 93, analyzing crash rates and traffic violations. Age was not the factor because those more prone to driving problems lived sedentary lives. When not driving, they sat, engaged in no exercise - perhaps zombies to the television set - and not walking to anywhere but the refrigerator. Other contributing causes to driving risks were poor results on tests of mental function which may be catalyzed by side effects of medications or conflicts in medications. "Mature adults who rated high on cardiovascular fitness were better drivers than less-fit people the same age." advise experts at The Wellness Newsletter of the University of California. Researchers also found that older drivers improved their driving skills and safety following an exercise program designed to enhance flexibility and observational skills. Older drivers, even the unfit ones, are not the worst on the roads. The highest crash rates and traffic violations are posted by drivers under age 25. Physical fitness is the key to a longer and healthier lifestyle for mature adults and now it is also the most important factor in driving well and safely at any of the mature years. So, your best driving ability may start with a brisk walk. You may even offer your daughter a ride. Q. I’ve had to get glasses in order to read the newspaper. Should I be concerned about my vision when driving? A. The vision specialist who examined your eyes for reading the newspaper should also have tested your entire range of vision. If you have problems with reading up close, such as the newspaper or computer screen, the condition may be presbyopia, due to the loss of flexibility of the lens inside the eye. It is an event typical in the aging process starting as early as age 40. Presbyopia increases gradually over the years so that at least an annual eye examination should be conducted and that the corrective lens prescriptions may be adjusted. If the examination proved longer distance vision problems, the ophthalmologist or optometrist probably would have prescribed bifocals. Your longer-range vision, such as that needed for driving, may not be affected at all, according to experts at the American Optometric Association (AOA). For mature adults, light and its intensity or lack of it may be of primary concern. The AOA recommends:
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