Page 9 - Senior Times South Central Michigan June 2023 - 30-06
P. 9
From the
Senior Times - June 2023
Page 9
Work with your doctor to manage chronic conditions and medications – especially those that might impact driver safety. Many drugs can affect both driver safety and fall risk, even
PUBLISHER
compassion
105 Capital Ave., NE • 269-962-5527 • www.farleyestesdowdle.com
BATTLE CREEK | AUGUSTA | RICHLAND
Sherii Sherban, Special to Senior Times
MAINTAIN INDEPENDENCE WITH SAFE DRIVING TIPS
Older drivers can be safe drivers. As you get older, you'll likely notice physical changes that can make cer- tain actions – such as turning your head to look for oncoming traffic or driving at night – more challenging.
Driver safety requires more than understanding road signs and traffic laws, it includes maintaining your health as well.
when you're feeling fine. (See pg. 26) Consider your physical limitations and make any necessary adjustments.
Senses such as hearing and vision tend to decline with age. Be sure
to get checked regularly. Impaired hearing can limit the ability to hear an approaching emergency vehicle or train. Vision challenges – such as cat- aracts, glaucoma, and macular degen- eration – can make it difficult to see clearly or drive at night.
You can improve driver safety
by driving during the daytime, in good weather, on quiet roads, and
in familiar areas. Limit distrations. Plan routes to avoid rush-hour traffic. Delay a trip if the visibility is poor. Beyond road conditions, make sure you're in optimal condition to drive. You might need to adjust your vehicle or choose a different vehicle to better meet your needs.
For example, if your hands hurt when gripping the steering wheel, use a steering wheel cover that makes holding and turning the wheel more comfortable.
of Battle Creek
Our Care Team of trained, licensed and compassionate professionals provide a highly personalized approach of skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services to seniors.
Short-Term Care Speech Therapy Outpatient Therapy
Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Long-Term Care
Respite Care Hospice Care
200 E. Roosevelt Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49037 269.965.3327
majesticcare.com/battle-creek
Staying physically active improves strength and flexibility. In turn, phys- ical activity can improve driver safety by making it easier to turn the steer- ing wheel or look over your shoulder while driving and parking.
Publisher’s note: If these tips still don’t give you the results you’re look- ing for it may be time to consider other alternatives. If you become con- fused while you're driving or you're concerned about your ability to drive safely, or loved ones or others have expressed concern, it might be best
to stop driving. Find support on page 21. Giving up your car keys doesn't mean the end of your independence. Instead, consider it a way to keep yourself and others safe on the road. Consider taking advantage of other local transportation options. Find a list of options on page 22.
Your Parnter in
ACTIVE AGING
Anne Clark, Special to Senior Times TIME TO GET MOVIN’
SIGN UP TODAY! CALL 269.441.0948
Senior Fitness & Fun!
Your Partner in Health, Support, and Fun!
Free & Open to the Public Age 60 & Older!
Exercises Locations
Anyone Can Do!
• Stretching and Flexibility
• Balance and Strength
Building
Nurse Provided Health Screenings
• Albion Forks Senior Center
• Athens Lighthouse Event Center
• Battle Creek Calvary Baptist Church • Battle Creek Kingdom Builder
• Battle Creek Trinity Neighbor Center • Battle Creek Woodland Church
• Convis Township Hall
• Homer 1st Presbyterian Church
• Hickory Hills Village, Battle Creek
(no nurse screenings)
• Leroy Township Hall
• Marshall Trinity Episcopal Church • Marshall VFW
• Tekonsha Fire Dept
• Urbandale Christ United Methodist
Tai Chi Classes
• HomerPublicLibrary
• LeroyTownshipHall
• MarengoTownshipHall
• KingdomBuilders,BattleCreek
• HeritageCommons,Marshall
• TrinityEpiscopalChurch, Marshall
• Blood Pressures
• Blood
Sugars Education
• Pulse Ox
Must Preregister, Call 269.986.1583
• Medication Management
• Wellness
Senior Health Partners
The Senior Fitness and Fun program is funded by the Calhoun County Senior Millage.
It’s summer – at least we think it’s summer! With the change in weather, it is time to get out and get movin’;
a much talked about topic, intention- ally and sometimes unintentionally. Honestly, for anyone it can be easy and simple to get moving!
There are so many benefits to movement that are good for each and every one of us, such as reduced feel- ings of anxiety, improved sleep and depression; reduced risk of chron-
ic conditions like heart disease, it strengths your bones and can improve your brain health. Moving is critical in all aspects of our life, physically and mentally, so why wouldn’t we want to make the change?
most likely feel muscles respond if you have not used them in some time. What I mean by that is, do not walk five miles if you have not been mov- ing at all – you will most likely quit, and we want you to keep moving.
We may often think we are not what we used to be or able to do
as much as we once could when it comes to physical activity. Whether it is walking without struggle or run- ning around the bases, our stamina and agility have changed.
Look at what your abilities are, this might also cause you to start “small,” not in size but in activity level. If you have not been exercising and start to exercise, try to remember you do not need to do everything if the exercise is above what you can do. Doing two repetitions is two more than you did yesterday and tomorrow (or the next day depending on what you are doing) you will do more so you are building up your body to a better you!
Trust me when I say we can be better today than we were yester- day just by starting to move in small ways. And small ways for some of us are critical to make sure we keep moving.
To get started, we first suggest that you talk to your physician; they know your health conditions and what you should or should not do. Then think about what you like to do and what you do NOT like to do. If you hate
to walk, then walking for exercise
is probably not for you but you can park farther away from the door at the store just to get more steps in! You want to start slowly to avoid overdoing it but remember you will
Also think about those things we do that we do not look at as exercise such as gardening. There is so much movement when you are gardening
– or even dancing – you are moving muscles and getting in a cardio exer- cise as well; dancing is a great way to get your body moving!
There are so many ways you can get moving and together is better so join a senior exercise class for fun and movement. Contact Senior Health Partners (269) 441-0948 for a listing of classes offered, funded through the Calhoun County Senior Millage.
Remember, start small but be sure to start. Happy summer to you all!
