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This Issue RSVP NEWS & NOTES

25 YEARS OF SERVICE

Food pantries benefit from RSVP vols PAGE 3 MILESTONE

The couple who have been together 70 years PAGE 5 ACTIVITY

Local bowlers see success on the lanes

Louise Johnson of Port Henry was recently presented her 25 year pin. For more RSVP news, turn to page 3.

Photo provided

PAGE 9

103!! Julia Podres reflects on a life lived well

By Keith Lobdell

keith@denpubs.com

MINEVILLE Ñ On the coffee table in Julia PodresÕ quaint living room is a Time magazine.

On the front, there is a picture of a newborn with the headline, Ò This Baby Could Live to be 142 Years Old.Ó Podres is only 39 years away.

The nearly lifelong resident of Witherbee and Minveville celebrated her 103rd birthday at the end of February, but not on her actual birthday, since she was born on Leap Day (Feb. 29), 1912. Ò She found out when she needed a copy of her birth certificate while running Lincoln Pond,” daughter Stephanie Posada said. Ò She had always celebrated her birthday March 17 with other family members so it was a surprise to find out her birthday was Feb. 29.Ó Podres was born just up the road from where she lives now, spending her formative years working on the family farm in Witherbee. Ò I would milk four cows every morning before I would go to school,Ó she said. Ò My brother and I would deliver milk around the town. One day,

we were going around and we spilled the milk.

We were right next to the river so we tried to refill the bottles, so you could say I invented skim milk.

Someone called my mom the next day and said the milk did not taste as good, but I do not think she ever knew what had actually happened.Ó After graduating from Mineville High School, Podres went to Cleveland, Ohio, at the age of 18 to work for the Rothschild family. Ò I was their babysitter for nine years and their cook for another nine years after that,Ó she said. Ò I used to come home for two weeks for vacation every year and that is when I met my husband.Ó After she married Stephen Podres, Sr., she said, Ò that was the end of Cleveland.Ó The couple ran the campground at Lincoln Pond for nine years, before it was taken over by the state.

Then, Stephen worked as a hoist operator at the mines. Ò He would bring up the workers and the ore from the mines,Ó she said.

The couple also moved into her current home, which was a chicken coop.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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RSVP News & Notes: Johnson pinned, transport drivers sought

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Above, Moriah Food Pantry volunteers Tom Langey, Patty Urban and Joann Wood. Below, Minerva Food Pantry manager and RSVP volunteer Kathleen DeGuilme.

Harland Funeral Home (518) 546-7033

4279 Main Street • Port Henry, NY 12974

66588

Pre-Arranged Counseling Traditional Funerals Serving All Faiths & Communities

ouise Johnson of Port Henry, NY was recently presented her 25 year pin. Louise is starting her 26th year of volunteering for RSVP. Her assignments have included the Moriah nutrition program and senior club, Essex County transportation and for many years you could find her each summer at the Port Henry Information Booth. Louise can always be counted on to lend a hand. Along with her pin, Louise was presented with a certificate of appreciation for her lifetime total of 6,538 hours.

RSVP provides a variety of opportunities for persons to actively participate more fully in the life of their community. Any person 55 years of age and over, retired or semi-retired, with a desire to be a volunteer may enroll in the program which costs nothing to join. We are currently looking for volunteers to serve as Rural Transportation drivers, Reading Buddies for Willsboro Kindergarten and Ticonderoga Elementary classes, as well as for two Home Delivered Meal assignments. One is for the Keene Valley area and one is to deliver meals to clients in Lake PlacidÕ s Greenwood Apartment Building. See BarbÕ s contact information below for more information.

Got Ô Cabin Fever Õ ? We have just the thing for you, RSVP Growing Stronger Osteoporosis Exercise Classes and Range of Motion Arthritis Exercise Classes. All classes are free and open to the public. They are lead by trained volunteers. It is a fun way to invest an hour per week in your health and wellbeing. Look for a class near you: Growing Stronger Classes: Elizabethtown/Hand House Ð Thursdays at 10 am, Port HenryÕ s St. Patrick Parish Center Ð Wednesdays at 11:00, Keene Community Center Ð Mondays at 10:00 am and Willsboro/Congregational Church Ð Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10:30!

Range of Motion Classes: Ticonderoga Senior Center Ð Mondays at 10:30 and Wednesdays at 9:30. A class to be held in Port Henry is still in the works. Contact Barb for further details.

Be sure to check us out on Facebook, we are RSVP of Clinton & Essex Counties. You will find news, recipes, photos, etc. Contact information: Barb Brassard / Director 546-3565 or rsvp@logical.net.

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Ti area seniors get moving with range of motion classes

By Keith Lobdell

keith@denpubs.com

TICONDEROGA Ñ Local seniors have the chance to get moving through a range of motion exercises during a program at the Ticonderoga Senior Center in the former Armory building.

The class, held Mondays from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m. with instructor Mary Breyette from Cornell Cooperative Extension and Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. with Lucy Bilow, allows seniors to come together and work out with exercises specifi-

cally targeting flexibility and strength. Ò ItÕ s a chance for so-

cialization and to focus on the building of strong bones and strong

muscles,Ó Breyette said. Ò The exercises we do focus on upper and lower

body flexibility and strength, balance, fall prevention and aerobic

dynamics.Ó The program was started three years ago

by Breyette and was originally held three days each month. Ò It is a growing class which started with about eight members and it has been increasing ever since,Ó Ann Dolback, activities director at the senior center, said. Ò It is an excellent opportunity to get out and be active, especially during the winter months. It also offers socialization and brings membership into the senior club.Ó Ò AnnÕ s support has been instrumental in building it up,Ó Breyette said.

Another addition which helped the program to expand was adding Bilow as a second instructor through the RSVP program. Ò We are able to do something that allows us to keep active, that is the main thing right there,Ó Bilow said. Ò It is more of a controlled exercise program that works with bands but not as much with weights.Ó Bilow said she is able to see a difference in those who participate. Ò Everyone feels peppy and ready to go after class,Ó she said.

That includes class member Maxine Sheehan, who has been there since the beginning with Breyette. Ò IÕ m 85 and I would not be as active and have as much reflex in my old bones,Ó she said. Ò This really helps.Ó The Ticonderoga Senior Center is open from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. weekdays. For more information, call 585-6050 or email tiseniors@hotmail.com.

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Senior Life • Spring 2015 | 5

Meet Elizabeth and Ray “Skip” Decker, the couple who have been married for 70 years

By Pete DeMola

pete@denpubs.com

ELIZABETHTOWN Ñ Elizabeth and Ray Ò SkipÓ Decker looked at each other and smiled.

March 12, for most county residents, was like any other Ñ the winter was torn between coming and going, their spirits growing buoyant that, with the melting of the ice, came hopes of renewal.

But for this Westport couple, it meant reflecting on seven decades of marriage.

Seventy years ago, Skip saw a girl walking up from the post office in Westport. Ò It looked like she needed a ride, so I stopped,Ó he said.

She was 16, he was 18.

They got hitched in Moriah.

Skip was on furlough from the army. He served in France, Belgium and Germany and drove an ammo truck.

GIs got a donut and cup of coffee before being shipped across the Atlantic.

He made the initial trip with 30,000 other men.

Following the wedding, he headed back over.

The war ended later that year.

In December, Skip saw General George Patton two days before he was killed in a car wreck in Heidelberg, Germany.

The cobblestones in the streets were irregular, he said, and stuck up every which way. Ò When it rained, the roads were very slick,Ó he said.

Skip called Patton a down-to-earth guy.

One mysterious act during his service always stuck with him.

At sea, Skip volunteered for guard duty because he enjoyed being on deck. While making his nightly rounds, around 1 a.m, he passed by a lone soldier.

Then, the man vanished. Ò I think he didnÕ t want to live,Ó recalled Skip.

Following his discharge, he returned back to WestportÕ s Ledge Hill Road to start a family. Ò I went back to work hauling logs,Ó he said.

Skip looked at Liz: Ò Remember that?Ó She smiled.

The pair liked to travel all over the country, including a trip to Prince Edward Island in Nova Scotia and Branson, Missouri.

Why Branson? Ò Music,Ó said Skip. Ò The real stuff.Ó Hank Williams. And in Nashville, Porter Wagoner. Ò He was a nice person.Ó Ò Johnny Cash,Ó said Martha Cross, LizÕ s sister, who stood for the couple at their wedding.

What kind of music did Liz like? Ò I went along with him,Ó she said.

Skip put his arm around her.

An expert sawyer, he worked a variety of jobs that took all over, including a stint as a grade foreman during the construction of the Northway.

“It had to be finely graded,Ó he recalled, noting a good curve would be nearly imperceptible with the natural drift of an automobile.

The master carpenter also created the original wooden bookends now sold by Adirondack Life magazine, a task he enjoyed until a few years ago.

Skip used to cut wood

Elizabeth and Ray “Skip” Decker celebrated their wedding anniversary on March 12. The Westport couple has been married for 70 years.

Photo by Pete DeMola for friends, family and neighbors to keep them warm during the winter. Ò Good old woodstove, I can smell it now,Ó said Martha.

Liz was a master embroiderer, while both enjoyed puzzles and reading the Bible.

The Deckers also started a tradition that carries over to present-day, that of hunting as a group, skills that have been passed down through the generations.

Ray harvested his first deer at 16 and couldn’t even begin to estimate how many he bagged over the years. Ò A lot of deer,Ó he laughed.

The party would divvy up the meat amongst themselves. Ò He could always outwalk the boys, until he was 70,Ó recalled his daughter, Juanita Johnson.

Not much has changed over the years, he recalled.

Westport has always been a nice quiet community.

The pair now reside at the Essex Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Elizabethtown.

On their anniversary, they sat surrounded by their family and cards and flowers from well-wishers.

Ray leaned over and kissed Liz on the head: Ò SheÕ s the best thing thatÕ s ever happened to me.Ó

6 | Spring 2015 • Senior Life

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How to protect your vision over the long haul

ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, eye diseases related to aging are the primary cause of vision impairment in the United States. Many people consider vision loss a natural side effect of aging, but there are ways men and women can protect their vision and reduce their risk of vision loss as they age.

Quit smoking. According to the National Eye Institute, smoking doubles a personÕ s risk for age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in men and women over the age of 50. It causes damage to the macula, which is the part of the eye needed for sharp, central vision. If the macula is damaged, vision may be blurry, distorted or dark.

Protect eyes from ultraviolet light. The American Optometric Association notes that UV-A and UV-B ra-

diation can have adverse effects on a personÕ s vision.

A short-term effect of excessive exposure to UV radiation is photokeratitis, a painful condition that can lead to red eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. Long-term effects of such exposure include a higher risk of developing cataracts and damage to the retina, which is the part of the eye used for seeing. When spending time outdoors, always wear sunglasses that provide protection against UV-A and UV-B rays.

Maintain a healthy blood pressure. High blood pressure, often referred to as HBP or hypertension, can contribute to vision loss as a person ages. The American Heart Association notes that HBP can strain blood vessels in the eyes, causing them to narrow or bleed. HBP also can cause the optic nerve to swell, compromising a personÕ s vision as a result. Eye dam-

age that results from HBP is cumulative, which means the longer it goes untreated, the more likely the damage to the eye will be permanent. Men and women can maintain a healthy blood pressure by eating right, exercising regularly and sustaining a healthy weight.

Take breaks from work. Computer vision syndrome, or CVS, is a legitimate condition that can develop when a person spends ample time staring at a computer screen. Adults and kids alike are susceptible to CVS, which can cause symptoms such as blurred vision, double vision, eye irritation, and headaches.

One way to reduce risk of developing CVS is to take frequent breaks from staring at the screen. A handful of 20-second breaks over the course of an hour can help prevent CVS. In addition, change lighting in the room where you work so you can reduce glare on the computer screen.

Podres

Continued from page 1 Ò My husband really gutted the house out and rebuilt it,Ó Podres said. Ò We did a lot of work and it has been my home for 78 years now.Ó In the home, the PodresÕ raised two children, Stephanie and her elder brother, Stephen, Jr., who recently passed away Nov. 11.

Her husband passed away Jan. 14, 1973. Ò I had two chances to get re-married, but I didnÕ t,Ó Podres said. Ò My grandchildren took up all my time.

I had a good husband, so I was not looking to take another chance.Ó Podres said her grandchildren are still the main focus in her life, with pictures lining her living room on all four sides. She became a great-great

grandmother Nov. 18. Ò All of these pictures are memories,Ó she said.

Podres used to bowl (twice a week) and continues to sew when she can. Ò I like working hard,Ó she said. Ò When I come down the stairs in the morning, I say my prayers, read the Bible, exercise, make breakfast and then start my work.Ó Podres said she starts her day around 7 a.m. and heads to bed around 8 p.m. She believes these practices have helped her stay active for a century-plus three. Ò I just went to the doctor and he told me instead of me going to see him, he should be coming to see me,Ó Podres said. Ò I never thought I would live this long, but I have always had a pleasant life.Ó

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Tips for grandparents helping to raise children

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s retirement age approaches, many older adults envision themselves downsizing and moving to a quaint community to enjoy their golden years in as relaxing a fashion as possible. However, for a growing number of seniors, their retirement years are being spent helping to raise grandchildren.

United States Census data from 2010 indicates 4.9 million American children are being raised solely by their grandparents. CanGrads, a National Kinship Support organization, says approximately 62,500 children are being raised by grandparents and other family in Canada. Many grandparents provide part-time care when their older children have to move back home with their families, as roughly 13 million children are now living in homes with their grandparents.

Although being raised by grandparents may not be the ideal situation for all parties involved, such situations are a necessity for many families. Seniors who are once again thrown into the caregiver arena may need a crash course in childcare or a few pointers on parenting in the modern age.

about local school systems, especially when grandkids are moving in with their grandparents. Some grandparents can qualify for free or low-cost daycare, and such programs can be discussed with local Social Services offices.

Enrollment in school or daycare can provide grandparents with much-needed free time during the day.

Find emotional support

quire a lot of gear, more than grandparents likely used when raising their own children. Certain safety requirements are in place to safeguard young children, and that often means investing in new cribs, car seats, high chairs, and other items.

Grandparents should resist the temptation to use old items they may have kept in storage, as such items may no longer be safe and could put grandchildren at risk for injury.

Get the right equipment

Gather important documents Children certainly re-

Grandparents should keep pertinent documents in one easily accessible place in their homes should an emergency arise. These include birth certificates, health immunization records, death certificates (if the childÕ s parents are deceased), dental records, school papers, citizenship papers, and proof of income and assets.

Speak with an attorney Lawyers can help grandparents wade through legal arrange-

ments, such as filing for custody, guardianship or adoption. Options vary depending on where petitioners live, but lawyers can provide peace of mind to grandparents concerned about their grandkidsÕ futures.

Investigate financial assistance Seniors may not earn the income they once did and may be on assistance programs or living off of retirement savings. Grandparents who find themselves caring for a child may be eligible for financial as-

sistance. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a joint federal and state program that can provide need-based financial assistance. The AARP or the organization GrandFamilies may be able to put grandparents in touch with financial advisors in their areas.

Contact schools and daycare centers School-aged children will need to be enrolled in school. Grandparents should contact the department of education where they live to learn

Taking care of grandchildren is a full-time job. At times, grandparents may feel stressed or out of sorts. Having a strong support system available can help grandparents work through the peaks and valleys of this new and unexpected stage in life.

Church- or community center-based counseling services may be available. Grandparents also can check with their healthcare providers to determine if counseling or therapy sessions are covered under their plans.

Caring for grandchildren is a life-changing event. Although it can be fulfilling, it also requires a lot of energy and commitment. But grandparents neednÕ t go it alone, as there are numerous resources available to seniors who suddenly find themselves caring for their grandchildren.

Yearly eye exams can reveal more than just vision trouble More evidence points to the importance of routine eye exams, not only to pinpoint potential conditions of the eye, but also to serve as windows to diseases that affect the entire body. Now more than ever it is essential to make and keep annual eye exams, as they can help to reveal the first signs of serious ailments.

Doctors from around the world say dozens of

diseases - from certain cancers to arthritis to high blood pressure - can show symptoms in the eye.

Under the watchful and knowing gaze of an eyecare professional, individuals can get early diagnosis and begin treatment promptly.

According to Dr. Roy Chuck, chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, there are many systemic diseases that can be seen in the eye. In addition to the conditions mentioned, jaundice can indicate liver disease while retinal detachment and bleeding in new blood vessels may indicate hypertension. By looking at

the color of the cornea, some doctors can tell if a patient has elevated levels of cholesterol. Many people have had their eye doctors be the first healthcare professional to detect the presence of their diabetes.

If an ophthalmologist suspects an underlying medical condition, he or she will likely refer men and women to their primary care doctors for a more thorough examination.

Going to the eye doctor can do more than ensure your vision is sharp. ItÕ s a life-saving decision for many people who have major health conditions diagnosed through the eyes.

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Senior Life • Spring 2015 | 9

Seniors continue to knock ‘em down at local bowling alley

By Keith Lobdell

keith@denpubs.com

TICONDEROGA Ñ Both Walter Thorne and Gerardus Ò GerryÓ Peeters have been chasing the gold standard in bowling for a combined 70 years.

This past season, both had their chance at Adirondack Lanes in Ticonderoga.

While Thorne, who coaches the Ticonderoga track and field teams, was unable to get all 10 pins to fall in the final roll of his near-perfect game recently (he rolled a 299), Peeters was able to roll 12 straight balls without leaving a pin standing during his second of three games Nov. 12. Ò It didnÕ t even enter my mind, what I had done, until I started the third game,Ó Peeters said. Ò I was playing well and had a 244 in the first game.

After the second game, everyone was slapping me on the back and shaking my hand and I was trying to figure out why. That is when I had realized what I had done.Ó Once he realized what had happened, Ò I rolled a 170 in the third game,” he said, recalling the final game with a hint of frustration. Ò But I still got a 700 series.Ó Peeters bowls on Mondays and Wednesday at the lanes, where he has been bowling for the past 40 years. Ò There was a time where I didnÕ t bowl for 10 years, but I had always enjoyed it,Ó he said. Ò When my wife died in 1999, I decided to start bowling again so I would be out and see people.Ó Peeters said he was surprised at what he was able to accomplish. Ò ThereÕ s a lot of people I know who can bowl 300, I wasnÕ t on that list,Ó he said. Ò In that game, every one of the balls I threw were perfect.Ó Two months later, Peeters was back at the lanes, watching as Thorne started rolling strikes and didnÕ t stop through the first nine

frames. Ò I was more nervous for Walter than for myself,Ó he said.

Thorne, who started bowling at the age of 39 and has previously coached high school kegglers in Dutchess County, has flirted with lane immortality before. Ò Two weeks before I had a 296 and I have rolled a 289 in the past,Ó Thorne said.

So there he stood again, nine strikes in, again striking on the first of three potential balls in the 10th and final frame.

He stepped to the line and repeated the feat with his second ball, setting him up with a score of 290 and one ball left to throw.

Thorne then repeated his approach and throw which had carried him through the first 11 shots and watched as is spun and curved into the head pin. Ò It was a great ball,Ó Thorne said. Ò The 10 pin just would not fall down.Ó The scoreboard flashed the numbers no one wanted to see - 299. Ò The last ball in the 10th has always been my downfall,Ó he said.

Thorne keeps searching for his white whale at Adirondack Lanes, heading the Golf Bowling League, where he goes by the screen name Ò Grampa.Ó Ò I have 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, so I kept the name,Ó he said. Ò We were all rooting for Walt that day,Ó lanes co-owner Donna Fleury said. Ò I was actually bowling on the same lane against him that day but I wanted to see him get it.Ó

Gerry Peeters and Walter Thorne have the highest scores of the season at Adirondack Lanes, with Peeters rolling a 300 and Thorne a 10-pin away from matching with a 299.

Photo by Keith Lobdell

10 | Spring 2015 • Senior Life

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Easy ways to get more youthful-looking skin

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ew people would pass up the opportunity to look younger. But men and women who want to look a little more like their younger selves without resorting to surgery can still have younger, healthier-looking skin without going under the knife. The following are a handful of natural ways to keep skin vibrant and youthful.

Quit smoking Quitting smoking can add years to your life and improve your appearance.

Smoking damages collagen and elastin in the skin, which are the substances that help keep skin flexible and firm. Also, smoking decreases blood flow to the skin and makes it difficult for it to receive enough oxygen to stay healthy.

The act of smoking also can contribute to older-looking skin. Pursing the lips to draw on a cigarette, as well as squinting to avoid smoke in the eyes can lead to the formation of wrinkles on the face.

Steer clear of the sun Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light damages the skin and can cause it to age prematurely. Also, inadvertent UV exposure, which can happen when running errands or sitting in front of an open window, also can affect the skin. Sun exposure is the top cause of uneven skin tone and dark spots. Always wear sunscreen to protect the skin from the sun. Applying sunscreen should become as automatic as brushing your teeth each day.

Drink more water A dehydrated body will divert water to the organs that need it the most, including the liver and heart. When that happens, skin pays the price by not receiving adequate hydration for skin cell renewal. By drinking the recommended six to eight glasses of water per day, you can ensure your body is getting the fluids it needs to fuel natural functions, including skin cell production.

Exercise By working out youÕ ll promote good cardiovascular health, which in turn will deliver blood flow and nutrients to the surface of your skin. Skin cells are pushed to the surface of the skin, helping to create a younger appearance and glow. Exercise also can help banish stress, which can contribute to an older appearance and frown.

Avoid alcohol Drinking alcohol in excess can damage blood vessels over time. This can cause burst capillaries at the surface of the skin, which are highly visible. Drinking also may lead to flushing, which can affect appearance. People who have damaged their livers from drinking too much or abusing medication may develop jaundice, a medical condition characterized by a yellowing of the skin.

Avoid stressful situations ItÕ s impossible to avoid all the stressors in life, but taking steps to reduce stress can improve your psychological outlook and appearance. Stress can lessen your bodyÕ s ability to function properly, and that can affect the appearance of your skin. Stress-related insomnia can lead to undereye bags and a tired appearance. And according to the Archives of Dermatology, stress can increase your risk of skin diseases and may cause wounds to take longer to heal.

Eat a healthy diet Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it makes sense that healthy foods will benefit the skin. Omega-3 fatty acids found in walnuts, flax and fish oil are important for skin health because they support healthy cell membranes.

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Many lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and staying out of the sun, can contribute to younger-looking skin.

Antioxidants like vitamins A and C also are beneficial because they fight the effects of cell oxidation and combat free radicals that can lead to illness.

Take care of your skin at night Moisturizers and serums with concentrated blends of vitamins, antioxidants and botanicals are most effective at night. ThatÕ s because, when applied at night, such products are in contact with the skin for several hours without being wiped off. Just be sure to apply any products to clean skin for maximum effect. A dermatologist can recommend the right products for your skin type.

There are various ways to get more youthful-looking skin, many of which can benefit the rest of your body as well.

Aging and driving

etting behind the wheel and enjoying the freedom to travel is a luxury few are anxious to abandon. But there comes a time in nearly every personÕ s life when he or she must take inventory of his or her driving and assess if that next joy ride is a safe and smart decision.

Driving may help older adults remain independent and mobile, but the chance for a motor vehicle accident increases as one ages. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says fatal crash rates per mile traveled increase starting at age 75 and increase notably after age 80. This is largely due to increased susceptibility to injury and medical complications among older drivers rather than an increased tendency to get into crashes. Road accidents tend to increase around a personÕ s 65th birthday.

Authorities in Canada require physicians to warn patients if the doctors have any concerns about their patientsÕ ability to drive. Doctors also must report these concerns. There are no such requirements in the United States, where individual drivers and families must use their own judgement to decide if it is still safe for a particular person to be on the road.

Minor fender benders, traffic citations, trouble remembering directions or frequently visited stores, may be early indications that a driver is no longer at his or her best behind the wheel. Some experts say that families should institute driving directives, much in the way a person would spell out medical desires or end-of-life plans. This way, when the time comes to assess driving ability, the conversation already has been started.

There is no set age when a personÕ s keys should be taken away, as aging does not guarantee driversÕ abilities will decline. In fact, there are many things people can do to prolong their time on the road.

Get routine vision and hearing checks. These examinations will help to determine your fitness to be on the road and shed light on any issues that need to be addressed. Those who wear contact lenses or glasses may need to update their prescriptions.

Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can affect the body in many ways, including reducing reaction time. Falling asleep while driving can compromise the safety of drivers, their passengers and fellow motorists.

Know your medications. Certain medications can make you drowsy, so read the labels so you know not to drive while taking them. Speak with your doctor to see if there are any substitutes that wonÕ t affect your performance behind the wheel.

Recognize your limitations. You may not like driving at night or in inclement weather. Stick to driving when you feel most comfortable.

Enroll in a refresher course. Sign up for a defensive driving course to review your driving skills. Not only may it make you safer on the road, but it also may help reduce your insurance rates.

Getting older doesnÕ t mean you have to quit driving right away. Recognize the signs of a decline in driving ability and figure out how long it is safe to remain behind the wheel.

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