Director's Message
TRANSPORTATION May 2009The ability to drive represents independence, self-sufficiency, freedom, and spontaneity in American culture. Loss of driving can lead to isolation and loneliness. Therefore, it is one of the hardest things to let go of. When to stop is a topic for great debate. Many people are able to continue driving through their 70s, 80s and into their 90s. Others need to stop and use alternative transportation due to physical or mental changes.
If you are still driving, you can improve your safety by taking the AARP driver safety course. It can also reduce insurance costs. The class is offered in-person and on-line. It addresses age-related changes, safe driving techniques, and updates you about rules of the road and your vehicle. A similar course is taught by AAA and others.
It is important to determine when it is no longer safe to drive, before having a serious accident that harms others. A 2004 AAA study found that older adults were the highest risk group for accidents after teens. They are also the most likely to be seriously injured or killed. The aging process can affect the ability to drive in many ways, including vision, hearing, mobility, longer reaction time, medication effects, impaired sleep, and cognitive problems such as dementia. Sometimes family, friends or physicians become concerned and recommend that driving stop when they notice these signs.
Many people begin to self-limit driving when they become aware of these issues, choosing to stop driving at night, avoid freeways, rush hour and unfamiliar routes. Sometimes this limiting comes after an accident or close call. If a person will not limit or stop, the doctor can refer a person for a thorough driving evaluation at St. Lawrence Rehabilitation.
If you are concerned about someone’s driving, go for a ride with them as a passenger. Check whether safe practices are being used, such as seatbelts, sunglasses, checking mirrors, using turn signals (and turning off), waiting an adequate length of time before entering a roadway, responding to traffic lights, driving in a manner expected by other drivers (speed, signaling, turning, etc), braking smoothly and appropriately, staying in lane and maintaining steady speed. Can they turn their head far enough to look over a shoulder? Do they have good reflexes and appropriate responses to the unexpected? Can they read road signs? Do they get confused about where they are or where they are going en-route? Is there evidence of recent accidents, dents or scrapes, traffic violations?
There are more transportation options in Princeton than in many local communities for those who do not drive. If you want more information on any of these services, please call PSRC.
· Crosstown – door to door rides in a car within the Borough and Township for people 65+. $3 per ride. To register and buy vouchers, call PSRC.
· Ride Provide – door to door rides around Mercer County within 10 miles of Quakerbridge Mall. Charges vary.
· TRADE – bus rides for people 60+ or with disabilities, no charge for rides to health appointments, nutrition sites, programs or other services.
· Access Link – van transportation for people who are unable to ride a public bus due to a disability. Origin and destination must be within ¾ mi of a bus route.
· Princeton FreeB-new jitney service around the Borough which runs 5-9 am and 5-9 pm. We hope to see expansion of hours and services.
· Tiger Transit – Princeton University circulator busses are free for everyone.
· Public busses and trains. Senior discounts are available.
If you have a friend or family member who no longer drives, encourage them to use these options to maintain their activities and connections in the community. Help arrange rides so they can get to classes or church, or take them with you when you go out. Volunteer to drive for Ride Provide. Support Crosstown and efforts to expand the FreeB service.
Susan W. Hoskins, LCSW
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Previous MessagesJune 2013 - Age Friendly Communities May 2013 - Navigating a Changing HealthCare Landscape March 2013 - Navigating Life’s Transitions February 2013 - Partners in Caring Princeton January 2013 - Men as Caregivers December 2012 - The Safety Net October 2012 - Documenting Your History September 2012 - A Journey of Transformation July - August 2012 - Gratitude & Moving March 2012 - Patient-centered Care February 2012 - Can you Spare an Hour? January 2012 - Challenges & Opportunities December - Are you Prepared for Emergencies? October - Chocolate for Memory September- Looking Back and Looking Forward Lessons and Legacies, March 2011 Independent Living February 2011 Witness to my Life December 2010 Elections, benefits and open enrollment November 2010 Strategic Planning September 2010 Hiring Home Care December 2009 Annual Giving by Sharon Naeole November 2009 Flu Pandemic 2009 October 2009 Healthy Memory, Healthy Mind September 2009 A Personal Perspective on Caregiving July/August 2009 Wei Ji: Crisis, Danger and Opportunity April 2009 Write your own obituary March 2009 Hope and Vision in Challenging Times Medicare Changes 2008: Take A Look! December 2008 Scams, Frauds and Rip-offs November 2008 Engaged Retirement: Beyond Financial Planning October 2008 September 2008 Caregiver Dilemmas Finding Rhythm and Purpose July/August 2008 V + OA = ER (Volunteering + Older Americans=Engaged Retirement)May 2008 Have You Had the Talk Yet? March 2008 Get Moving with FitRhythms™! February 2008 What Are Social Services? November 2007 Plan for the Future September 2007 The Up-side of Aging Summer 2007 National Conference on Aging: Let's ReThink Aging April 2007 Season of Giving December 2006 April Hill McElroy October 2006 Civic Engagement September 2006 White House Conference on Aging May 2006 Are You Prepared? October 2005 Watch Your Language September 2005 The End of the Journey May 2005 New Dietary Guidelines February 2005 Civic Engagement with GrandPals October 2004 The Challenge of Giving Care May 2004 Seniors On The Move April 2004 Random Acts of Kindness December 2003 Civic Engagement November 2003 |