Every time I back up my car
or change lanes, I whisper a silent “thank you” to my yoga instructor. Her mission
in life seems to revolve around making sure that we (her older students) have
flexible spines and open shoulder joints.
I don’t think any of us would dare develop a dowager’s hump or a stiff
neck. We are indeed lucky to have her in
our lives.
Knowing that you have a full
range of motion will make you feel more confident when you drive. Confidence and comfort are very important if
you are going to drive safely. I know you don’t like to hear it, but not
everyone should be driving. The good
news is that modern technology has been kind to us, and as a result most of us
will be driving for years to come. Determination is not enough though. It is up to you to determine, in advance,
whether you should be behind the wheel.
Safer driving practices are not something to be scoffed at. Rules of the road remain the same, but like
it or not, it has become a real jungle out there. Safe
driving courses will review current
rules of the road, teach you defensive driving techniques, and suggest ways to
operate your vehicle safely. When it is
time to renew your license consider a medical examination, an eye examination,
and a class to update your driving skills. These recommendations do not mean that
someone is out to get you; it just means that you care enough to want to do
your very best.
An article in the
September/October Arthritis Today magazine (www.ARTHRITISTODAY.ORG) by Sharon
Anne Waldrop discusses inexpensive changes that you can make to take the pain
out of driving. In addition to a yoga
routine to increase flexibility, she suggested adaptive mirrors to help you see
better without swiveling your neck. She
also mentions large key handles and thick steering wheel covers, but I thought
her idea to consult a driver
rehabilitation specialist (www.driver-ed.org)
was the best advice offered. Specialists
can recommend ways to maneuver vehicles if joint and/or pain issues are making
driving difficult for you.
Be open to change. Just because you have been driving for 60
years or more does not mean that you can’t learn new techniques. If you
are proud of your sterling driving record, take the class anyway. Show off if you must, but be open to having
a professional evaluate your driving skills. Check
with your local senior center. The classes offered by AARP (www.aarp.org) are excellent, and are offered
frequently in locations near you. Your
insurance company will be so impressed that they will even give you a discount
on your insurance rates. Taking
a class does not mean that you are admitting defeat; it means that you are
smart enough to do the right thing.
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