Q – My mother is from Bakersfield and at 82, still drives herself around town to run errands and to appointments. In recent years driving with her, I’ve noticed some minor changes that make me worry for her safety when she’s behind the wheel. Do senior’s driving skills really change as they get older, or is this my imagination?

A – According to a website created by the AAA that is dedicated specifically to seniors and their driving, there are senses used in driving that do change as we age. Although the driving itself may not decline exactly, some skills can be affected when senses are no longer what they used to be.

Here is how age affects senior’s driving:

• Sensing behind the wheel changes, with regards to vision and hearing. 85% to 90% of safe driving relies upon the eyes and the eyes change in a number of ways, including diminished light entering the eyes, declining focus, increased sensitivity to glare, difficulty perceiving color, diminished depth perception and narrowed peripheral vision. Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults, and it can affect a driver’s ability to take in their surroundings
• Deciding – once the senses take in information, the brain needs to process what to do with it. In older adults, it takes longer to process information, which can decrease the reaction time needed to respond to situations on the road
• Reacting – this can be affected by a few things. While seniors might know that they need to respond, their level of physical fitness or mobility or their medications might inhibit them from physically responding when behind the wheel of a car

However, even if you are noticing some minor changes with your mom’s driving, doesn’t mean she has to give up her keys, which can signify a huge loss of independence. Instead encourage her to utilize some simple techniques that will provide for her safety.

Sources:

1. AAASeniors

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.

Hiking is a great cardiovascular activity for Bakersfield seniors. It has the same benefits upon their overall health, without the strain of an activity like jogging, and it allows seniors to go at their own pace. Plus, when going out to hike outdoors, there is changing scenery for added enjoyment, which can make exercise a much nicer experience than simply going for a walk on the treadmill.

However, when hiking there are some simple safety tips that seniors can implement to make sure that they aren’t injured, lost out in an area far from civilization where they can’t call for help. This is a risk for all individuals who go out for a hike, but naturally, with age, the chances of injury increase. So to prepare for a safe hike, here are some things that Bakersfield seniors can do:

• Never hike alone – hiking with a friend, family member or caregiver ensures that there is someone there to help in an emergency. A hiking buddy can also help a senior get up steep slopes, or provide support over uneven terrain
• Plan ahead – study maps of the hiking area, and if taking a longer trip, leave a copy of your route with someone not attending the hike. Also check to make sure that the weather conditions will be good. Even bad weather days before the hike, like rain, can cause danger as there is likely to be slippery rocks or mud that can cause falls
• Dress appropriately – seniors should have sturdy hiking shoes appropriate for gripping the terrain. The hiking shoes or boots should be properly fitted to ensure that they provide added support and stability to a senior. Dressing in layers will also help to ensure comfort, regardless of weather or temperatures
• Pack a bag – water should be packed, and drank regularly throughout a hike. Extra clothing, bug spray, sunscreen, a snack, and a first aid kit are recommended

Sources:

1. Associated Content
2. Suite 101

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.

As a senior caregiver in Bakersfield, I find that one of my greatest challenges when spending time with my elderly care recipients day after day, has nothing do with the physical aspects of care or even the emotional effects; it has to do with finding activities that we both enjoy. Especially with the generational gap, it can be a struggle to find things in common, particularly when we spend so much time together; but I want to make the most of it so I make an effort to find activities that we’ll enjoy.

Someone suggested quilting to me as a fun activity that would help pass the time, and because it’s an activity that is ideal for seniors with limited physical mobility as well. When I suggested it to my care recipient, she was very excited about the idea, because she enjoys long-term projects where she’s working towards a goal. So as the start to our new endeavor, we took a day trip out to a local fabric store to pick out some materials and some tools that we’d need. The clerk at the fabric store suggested a few items that would help cater to a senior’s specific needs when quilting, including table leg risers so that we wouldn’t get sore backs leaning over the low table; she also recommended a needle threader with built in magnifying device and an additional crafting magnifying glass.

Since we took on this hobby, we both look forward to every afternoon when we sit down, chat and work towards our mutual goal.

Sources:

1. Associated Content
2. FabricLand

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.