Is it good to drive for seniors in Connecticut?

Driving is an essential factor in being able to get around independently. Gait speed, the time it takes to get out of a chair, and the ability to stand with one foot in front of the other help predict an older person's ability to perform daily and other activities such as driving. Remember that Nutmeg Senior Rides is the best option for senior transportation in Connecticut.

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Normal age-related driving disturbances

Some elements of gait typically change as people age; other factors do not change.

Walking speed remains the same until about age 70, and then decreases. Gait speed is a powerful predictor of mortality, as powerful as the number of chronic medical conditions and hospitalizations a person experiences. At age 75, slow walkers die 6 years or earlier than normal-speed walkers and 10 years or earlier than fast walkers.

Walking speed decreases because older people take shorter steps. The most likely reason for shortened stride length is the weakness of the calf muscles. Calf muscles propel the body forward, and calf muscle strength decreases with age. However, older people seem to compensate for decreased calf strength by employing their hip flexor and extensor muscles more than younger adults.

Cadence, the number of steps taken in one minute, does not decrease with age. Tall people take longer steps at a slower pace; short people take shorter steps at a faster pace.

Double support is used to indicate that both feet are on the ground during the step of taking a step. This phase of action is a more stable position to shift the center of mass forward than when only one foot is on the ground (single support). The percentage of time spent in double support increases with age. Older people may further increase the time spent in dual support when walking on uneven or slippery surfaces, when they feel they are losing their balance, or when they are afraid of falling. It may feel as if they are walking on slippery ice.

Driving posture changes only slightly with aging. Older people walk upright without leaning forward. However, older people walk with more downward rotation of the pelvis and an increased lower back curve (called the lumbar lordosis). Generally, weak abdominal muscles, tight hip flexor muscles, and increased abdominal fat contribute to this change in posture. Older people also walk with their legs laterally rotated (toes outward) about 5 degrees, possibly due to a loss of hip internal rotation or increased stability. Foot separation in the swing does not change with age.

Driving for seniors in Connecticut

Have you been concerned about your driving, and have your family or friends told you they are concerned? As time goes on, changes in your health may affect your ability to drive. Don't risk harming yourself or others. It is crucial to explain to your doctor the questions you could have about driving and your health. Considering all of these factors, Nutmeg Senior Rides provides transportation for seniors in Connecticut.

• Stiff joints and stiff muscles

When you get older, your joints may stiffen, and your muscles may weaken. Arthritis, common among older adults, may affect your driving ability. These changes can make it harder to turn your head to look behind you, turn the steering wheel quickly, or brake safely. Health is fundamental for a good lifestyle, and Nutmeg Senior Rides understands that and helps by providing senior transportation in Connecticut.

Tips for safe driving:

• Consult your doctor if pain, stiffness, or arthritis interferes with driving.

• If you can do it, driving a car with automatic transmission is better.

• Be physically active or exercise to maintain and even improve your strength and flexibility.

• Consider installing hand controls for the accelerator and brake pedals if you have leg problems.

• Difficulty seeing

Your vision may change as you age. Seeing people, things, and movements outside your direct line of sight may be more complex. Reading street name signs or road signs may take longer than recognizing familiar places. When night comes, it can be complicated to see things. Glare from the headlights of oncoming cars or street lights can be a problem. The sun could be blind depending on the time of the day. Vision is a problem when people get older, and Nutmeg Senior Rides knows that. For this reason, Nutmeg Senior Rides provides senior transportation in Connecticut for people with visual impairments.

Eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and some medications can cause vision problems.

Tips for safe driving:

• If you are 65 or older, visit your eye doctor every year. Ask if there are ways to improve your vision.

• If you need glasses or contact lenses to see far away while driving, make sure your prescription is current and correct. If you need them, always wear your glasses or contact lenses when you drive.

• Reduce the number of times you drive or stop driving at night if you have trouble seeing in the dark. Try to avoid driving at dawn and dusk, when the sun may be directly in your line of sight.

Considering these tips, remember that Nutmeg Senior Rides is the best option for senior transportation in Connecticut. Contact us today to join our family.

• Hearing difficulty

As you age, your hearing may change, making it harder to notice horns, sirens, or even noises coming from your car. Hearing loss can be a problem because these sounds warn you when it may be necessary to pull off the road or pull over and get out of the way. Hearing could be a problem when people get older, and Nutmeg Senior Rides knows that. For this reason, Nutmeg Senior Rides provides senior transportation in Connecticut for people with gearing difficulties.

Tips for safe driving:

• Schedule an appointment to check your hearing at least every 3 years after age 50.

• Talk to your doctor about your hearing concerns. There may be things that can help.

• Try to keep the car interior as quiet as possible when driving.

Slower reaction time and reflexes

As you age, your reflexes may become slower, and you may not react as quickly as you could in the past. You might notice that you have a shorter attention span, making it more challenging to do two things simultaneously. Stiff joints or weak muscles may also make it harder to move quickly. Loss of sensation or tingling in the fingers and feet can make it difficult to operate the steering wheel or use the pedals. Parkinson's disease or limitations after a stroke may mean you can no longer drive safely. It is vital to contact a safe driver for seniors and Nutmeg Senior Rides is your best option in Connecticut.

Nutmeg Senior Rides, helps you go everywhere you need in Connecticut, whether in West Suffield CT, Bloomfield CT, South Windsor CT, Somers CT, Enfield CT, Vernon CT, Granby CT, East Granby CT, Suffield CT, Windsor Locks CT, or East Windsor CT. If you need transportation in Connecticut, do not hesitate to contact us.