Driving is an important issue to older people, the disabled, and their family and friends. In Tucson, transportation without a car is difficult and inconvenient. Safety of both the driver and the public is paramount, but the loss of independence and self-esteem, as well as easy access to church, groceries, and medical care must be addressed.
There is no mandatory cut-off age for driving, but even the healthiest person experiences a “slowing down” at some point – less flexibility of movement, decrease in night vision, blurred vision from cataracts, hearing loss, etc. The effects of medication can also impair driving ability – allergy medications and high blood pressure drugs often have a sedative effect.
The dilemma is trying to determine who needs to stop driving. Seniors and their families and friends can use on-line resources to help identify and address driving problems. A few good websites are the AAA sponsored site, www.SeniorDrivers.org. Locally, the Pima Council On Aging teaches the AARP class “55 Alive Driver Safety Program” and St. Andrew’s Parish Nurse Ministry has a “Risk for Accidents” list that might be useful in determining when it is time to stop driving.
St. Andrew’s recognizes that transportation to church may be a problem and has ministries to assist you. Van transportation is available to the 11a.m. worship service on Sundays and to Monday’s HUB gathering. Northwest Interfaith Center may also be able to help with transportation to medical appointments. Finally, those of us who have transportation should be alert to the needs of others; asking for a ride can often be uncomfortable and embarrassing.
For help in any health related issue, please contact Parish Nursing through the church office at 297-7201.