* The Dallas Post Dallas, PA Wednesday, March 4, 1998 7” «Older motorists can take steps to drive safely - ‘Gradual at first, the aging pro- cess accelerates as years go by. After age 55, changes occur more rapidly. And, by age 60, those changes begin to affect driving performance. Meeting the Challenge (@ Effects of aging vary from per- son to person. But few older driv- ers have reflexes as sharp as those of a 25 year old. Frequently men- tioned descriptions of problems with older drivers include: * Maintaining proper speed or slowing unexpectedly, e Failing to check mirrors and other lanes. Home-Care and Private Duty 24 HOUR - 7 DAY SERVICE 10 West Dorrance Street Kingston, PA 18704 e Demonstrating uncertainty in unfamiliarly areas. * Inability to make decisions and react as quickly as other driv- ers. * Having energy and physical freedom to cope with and resolve conflicts. * Recognizing new traffic signs, signals and road markings and adjusting to different traffic pat- terns and roadway designs. But older drivers have one great advantage: experience. The longer you drive, the more you learn about what todo - and what not to do - on the road. What you lack in quick reflexes, you can make up For more information or in home nursing assessment Please call 283-5917 or 287-8661 Deaf, Hard of Hearing or Speech Impaired Call 1-800-654-5984 Rehabilitated and ready for lite. : Alfreda Bryce worried surgery for total knee replacement would keep her from doing the things she loves, especially gardening. * Thanks to the rehabilitation therapy she received at Allied Bl Services John Heinz Institute ] of Rehabilitation Medicine, ~ Alfreda is back doing all the things she enjoyed before surgery. Her therapists helped . Alfreda regain her range of | motion, strength, balance, and most importantly, her | independence... and her "garden never looked better. rehabilitation in sound judgment. Resources other than sound judgment also can help keep older drivers on the road - and driving safely. What's Up Doc? Physical problems that inter- fere with driving ability should be reported to your doctor. Hearing aids and eye glasses can help compensate for hearing loss or weakened vision. Your doctor might also suggest treatment for other ailments that are associ- ated with aging like muscle fa- tigue and depression. ~ Older drivers especially should be alert for signs of fatigue and depression. For example, recent loss of a spouse can leave you distracted and careless, Avoid _ peak travel hours and consider asking others to drive you during the initial period of grief. Older drivers also should get plenty of rest before driving long distances and take frequent breaks during trips. Also avoid driving immediately after ex- tended and intensive use of your eyes. ; Improving Flexibility According to research findings, exercise it the best way to fight fatigue, depression and loss of mobility - at any age. After age 30, sedentary people lose their ability to do physical activity more quickly than those who exercise regularly. Exercise can slow the aging process - and improve driving skills. Effective exercise programs strengthen heart, lungs and muscles and loosen joints. Many communities offer structured pro- grams for older people, or you can ° exercise at home. A regular pro- gram of walking is one way to tune up your body and improve Kans 7 # Our Dallas Clinic's team of highly trained professionals are dedicated to helping you achieve your rehabilitation goals. They will work with your referring physician to design an individualized plan to meet your specific needs. For additional information you can contact our clinic directly at (717) 674-5075 John Heinz Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine “Your Best Choice!” With this area's largest rehabilitation hospital and eight outpatient clinic locations, John Heinz is "Your Best Choice" Dallas, Nanticoke, Wilkes-Barre Twp., Pittston, Forty-Fort, W. Hazelton, Berwick, Tunkhannock ) overall physical - and mental’ - fitness. Other exercises are specifically designed to improve flexibility and posture, reduce muscle tension and increase freedom to move- ment. Picking the Right Route Carefully selecting driving routes also can improve perfor- mance on the highway. Older driv- ers should choose routes that provide ample lighting, well- marked streets, easy-to-read signs and easy-to-reach parking places. Also look for roads less traveled - where traffic is light during off- peak hours. Older drivers often avoid interstates and freeways, which generally are the country’s safest roadways. But it is better to avoid these roads than to drive where you are tense and uncomfortable. Re-learning to Drive Many communities offer driver improvement courses for people over age 50. Most courses update drivers on current driving laws. Some even provide hands-on training in safe driving techniques. Contact your state motor ve- hicle department for a copy of the state driver's manual. Some MVDs keep lists of approved driver-im- provement courses, and others provide materials on re-examina- tion. Many also conduct programs designed specifically for older driv- €rs. At least 30 states offer insur- ance discounts or reduce infrac- tion points. for those completing state-sanctioned driving courses. You can’t stop the aging pro- cess. But you can use available resources — exercise, travel plan- ning and driver-improvement courses — toimprove driving skills and maintain driving privileges. TN If you're still wearing ordinary plastic lenses.. Diamonex lenses are made of revolutionary material so strong, they are virtually scratch-proof. You can evenrub the front of them with steel wool. Try that with ordinary plastic lenses and they'd be ruined. Actually, you can try the Diamonex Steel Wool Test yourself; just visit Back Mountain Eyecare. And the next time you need new glasses, insist on Diamonex lenses. They re clear] rior. 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