Safe 60 And Safe Behind The Wheel: A Conversation With Your Parents

Safe 60 And Safe Behind The Wheel: A Conversation With Your Parents

Did you back into something?

Is everything okay?

How about if I drive?

These are some of the common phrases adult children think and sometimes utter to their aging parents.

What if someone else started the conversation? A third-party began a dialogue about the health and safety of aging drivers in the United States.  

My name is Judi Bonilla a gerontologist researching senior transportation and identifying gaps in services. The 60 Plus and Safe Behind The Wheel presentation is the first of its kind in the nation that both educates participants on resources to improve their driving skills and all transportation options available as they actively decrease their driving on their own terms.

Researchers tell us many older adults self-regulate their driving. You might recognize the reduction of driving in these patterns.

1. Decreasing or eliminating driving after dark.
2. Avoiding freeways.
3. Reducing the time spent driving. 

Many of the students in my workshops are active, healthy, and living independently. They openly express their concern about their ability to continue driving.  It's my goal to start the dialogue what it means to be an aging driver. It's my hope that you'll keep the momentum going by continuing the conversation with your family members.

If you're interested in learning more about my workshops or tips on starting the conversation please contact me at judibonilla.com

Judi Bonilla aging expert, gerontologist, and serial entrepreneur. For more ideas on aging well sign up for her FREE newsletter at judibonilla.com.

Forget Fear Boost Your Brain Health

Several years ago someone gave me this piece of advice, "Let fear be your teacher." The message was clear to me, I had two choices. Choice one let fear paralyze me and not mo ve forward. Choice to learn from what I was afraid of and make changes accordingly. I chose the latter and to this day that remains my choice. By acknowledging my fears and understanding what I was afraid of I was able to move forward. I was able to become "unstuck." It seems that when it comes to dementia several others are taking that cue. If you're concerned about dementia and Alzheimer's disease I hope you find inspiration in this article published in The Washington Post

Fear of Alzheimer's is everywhere, but it's spurring some to change lives

Original artice: http://klou.tt/1ob2oli5djljc

Judi Bonilla aging expert, gerontologist, serial entrepreneur and the host of the Empowered In Aging podcast. For more ideas on aging well sign up for her FREE newsletter at judibonilla.com.

Is Facebook The Best Way To Exercise Your Brain?

Facebook? Lumosity? Brain HQ?

University of Arizona: Facebook Article

There are plenty of choices when it comes to giving your brain a workout. My choice will always be Facebook especially for adults age 65+! Yes, I believe that Facebook meets and exceeds the requirements for giving your brain robust workout.

Ask neuroscientists and experts in memory training they often list three requirements to provide real cognitive benefits.

1. Novel
2. Variety
3. Complex

Novel

Login to Facebook and you often surround yourself with changes in features. Most recently Facebook is focusing on uploading native videos, before that it was changes in messaging. If novel is what you are looking for Facebook will continue to meet that requirement.

Variety

Everyday pages and new groups are added, videos go viral and information is shared. Users have the ability to find friends, information, and resources all within a few clicks.

Complex

If you're age 65 and over your use of technology may be limited. Using Facebook requires using fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and ultimately focus. While digital natives may find Facebook intuitive for many older users the layout and using tools requires concentration.

Lastly, Facebook is a connector! Connecting grandparents family members, individuals to their interests, and all the while decreasing social isolation. I believe the real power behind Facebook is allowing its user to reconnect and nurture friendships.

Judi Bonilla is a San Diego gerontologist focusing on researching, developing, and teaching healthy aging programs. She’s the founder of We Get Around! focused on senior transportation, Brain Fit Now! a community-based brain health program. Encorepreneur 101 boosting entrepreneurs age 50 plus. Connect with Judi on Facebook to stay find out the latest news in healthy aging.

Why Public Transportation Can Save Your Retirement

Retirees enjoying their
first ride on public transit!

Driving retirement is inevitable. Research shows men outlive their ability to drive by six years and for women it's about 10 years.

What happens when you no longer driver? Who do you ask for a ride? Neighbors? Children? Grandchildren? Friends? The answer is yes. You begin to prepare for your transportation while you continue to drive.

However, like most American's you want your independence and want to remain self reliant. Riding public transportation is an excellent way to control your schedule. However, for many adults over 65 years of age it's been a long time since you've ridden the public. Here are a few ideas to get you out in your community on public transportation.

Training
Do your homework. Contact your local transportation provider to find out if they offer "Travel Instruction" or "Travel Training" classes. These classes are often available to older adults who are transitioning out of driving. Led by a trained Travel Instructor you'll learn how to plan and travel using your communities public transportation systems.

Plan your driving retirement and
learn how to use public transportation.

Education

If classes are unavailable in your community, GoogleMaps is now your best friend. For novices I suggest planning a trip to a local mall or another familiar location. In GoogleMaps you can plan and get detailed directions to your destination

Safety
Before you leave home pack light. That means removing extra money, credit cards, and jewelry. As a novice transit ride everything you experience will be new. Keep your focus on personal safety and not how heavy your bag is! I also suggest carrying a coin purse and use this to keep your exact fare and ticket.  



Travel
With age comes wisdom and also rights to priority seating. After paying your fare use the seating closest to the driver for your journey. Once you become a regular transit rider carrying a book is always an excellent way to avoid an unwanted conversation.

The important point is to get out and explore your community using public transportation. Using public transportation is a great way to maintain an active lifestyle as you age.