How to Talk to a Loved One About Driving Concerns

Driver safety can often be a sensitive issue for seniors. A driver’s license signifies more than the ability to drive a car; it is a symbol of freedom and self-sufficiency. Understandably, driving is not a privilege that anyone wants to relinquish willingly. Still, safety must come first.

Some older drivers may be aware of their faltering ability, but still be reluctant to give up driving completely. Another person’s concerns may force the senior driver to act. They may even feel relieved to have someone else help make the decision to stop driving. Some seniors may forget that they aren’t supposed to drive. If that is the case, it is even more important to remove the car or the keys to make it impossible to drive. If you find yourself in the position of talking to an older friend or family member about their driving, remember the following:

• Be respectful. For many seniors, driving is an integral part of independence. Many older adults have fond memories of getting a driver’s license. At the same time, don’t be intimidated or back down if you have a true concern.
• Give specific examples. It’s easier to tune out generalizations like “You just can’t drive safely anymore.” Outline concerns that you have noticed, such as “You have a harder time turning your head than you used to,” or “You braked suddenly at stop signs three times the last time we drove.”
• Find strength in numbers. If more than one family member or close friend has noticed, it’s less likely to be taken as nagging. A loved one may also listen to a more impartial party, such as a doctor or driving specialist.
• Help find alternatives. The person may be so used to driving that they have never considered alternatives. You can offer concrete help, such as researching transportation options or offering rides when possible. If your family member is reluctant to ask for help, it can lead to isolation and depression.
• Understand the difficulty of the transition. Your loved one may experience a profound sense of loss having given up driving. Don’t dismiss their feelings but try to help with the transition as much as possible. If it is safe, try slowly transitioning the senior out of driving to give them time to adjust. For example, your loved one may begin the transition by no longer driving at night or on the freeways, or by using a shuttle service to specific appointments, such as the doctor’s.

Valuing older workers

For years, older workers have been the first to be let go and the last to be hired when times are tight. Now, more employers are waking up to the fact that employing older workers is good business. A great example is Borders, one of AARP’s featured employers, which more than tripled its percentage of older workers between 1998 and 2005.

After noticing that half of Borders’ customers are over 50, the firm reasoned that the best way to increase its market share was to stress personal service and to hire employees who could relate better to its customer base. Some results of this are:

§  Turnover among workers over 50 is 10 times less than those under 30, which translates to an overall 30 percent reduction since the intentional recruitment of older employees began.

§  Reduced turnover costs and more consistent service naturally lead to increased profits.

§  Priceless good will results from older workers’ work values and their passion to be connected to the community.

Stories like this are getting attention, inspiring other employers to embrace older employees. Seniors are also being recognized as being just as tech-savvy as youth when it comes to utilizing technology on the job. All this leads to a growing awareness that older workers are critical to the nation’s economic health, particularly in an expanding service economy. When customers want service, they want experience, dependability and good manners. Seniors offer these gifts in abundance.

Dementia vs. Depression in the Elderly

Dementia vs. depression in the elderly

Never assume that a loss of mental sharpness is just a normal sign of old age. It could be a sign of either depression or dementia, both of which are common in older adults and the elderly.

Since depression and dementia share many similar symptoms, including memory problems, sluggish speech and movements, and low motivation, it can be difficult to tell the two apart. There are, however, some differences that can help you distinguish between the two.

Is it Depression or Dementia?
Symptoms of Depression	Symptoms of Dementia
Mental decline is relatively rapid Knows the correct time, date, and where he or she is Difficulty concentrating Language and motor skills are slow, but normal Notices or worries about memory problems	Mental decline happens slowly Confused and disoriented; becomes lost in familiar locations Difficulty with short-term memory Writing, speaking, and motor skills are impaired Doesn’t notice memory problems or seem to care

Whether cognitive decline is caused by dementia or depression, it’s important to see a doctor right away. If it’s depression, memory, concentration, and energy will bounce back with treatment. Treatment for dementia will also improve you or your loved one’s quality of life. And in some types of dementia, symptoms can be reversed, halted, or slowed.

Don't Be Down On Your Memory!

If you're not careful, you can be your own worst enemy when it comes to remembering things. The power of positive thinking is real - and so is the power of negative thinking. If you continually tell yourself you have a bad memory, eventually you will start to believe it!

The next time you catch yourself thinking negatively about your memory, just stop. Instead, actively shift your internal dialogue in a more positive direction. Tell yourself, "I can remember this material. I can do this!"