When to consider modifying driving behavior

Contrary to common perceptions, older adults can teach younger drivers a thing or two about safe driving. Older drivers have the highest seat belt use rates, the lowest incidence of impaired driving, tend to drive when conditions are safest (i.e., daytime), and are less likely to speed down the freeway, swerving between and around cars on their motorcycle! Sorry. I got carried away.

In fact, nationally, adults aged 65 years and older are the drivers least likely to be responsible for a fatal accident. But for the older driver, the risk of being injured or killed on a public roadway generally increases with age, largely due to increased susceptibility to injury.

Driving requires attention, judgment, and quick reaction, which often diminish as we age. Consequently, older adult drivers are more likely to fail to yield or stop, misjudge the distances needed to turn safely, and be involved in accidents at intersections and while merging with traffic.

But we need to remember, it is a driver’s abilities and not their age that determines if someone is unsafe behind the wheel. And there are warning signs of unsafe driving. Is the driver having difficulty getting in and out of a car? Do they have problems with looking over their shoulder or the steering wheel? Has the driver experienced recent “near-miss” crash situations? Are they getting lost in familiar places? Are they having problems with basic driving skills? Has the driver had multiple crashes or tickets?

If you or someone you know experiences any of these warning signs, they should at least consider modifying their driving behavior: driving only during the day, avoiding certain intersections and high-speed highways — and consider taking the AARP Smart Driver class that I mentioned last week (at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center, Sept. 24-25 from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. To register, call 541-296-4788.)

 There are no clear criteria for determining when a person should retire from driving, but wouldn’t you want to make that decision yourself rather than have someone else make it for you?

You can find more information on the Oregon Department of Transportation Driver Fitness website including how to decide when it is time to “retire” from driving, as well as ways to improve your driving and stay safe on the roadway.

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Brain Tease: Another mystery to solve. A man was found dead with a cassette recorder in one hand and a gun in his other hand. When the police came in, they immediately pressed the play button on the cassette. They heard the man say, “I have nothing else to live for. I can’t go on.” Then there was the sound of a gunshot. After listening to the cassette tape, the police knew that it was not a suicide, but a homicide. How did they know?

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The 1951-1957 television comedy series that featured the Ricardos and their two neighbors, Ethel and Fred Mertz, was “I Love Lucy” starring Lucille Ball. I received correct answers from Trisha Walker, Spark Stephenson, Tom Schaefer, Mike McFarlane, Donna Mollet, Bruce Johnson, Shelley Hinatsu, Julie Hoffman, Patricia Haupt, Eva Summers, Patty Powell, Becky Podvent, Lana Tepfer, Craig Terry, Dave Lutgens, Pat Evenson-Brady, Doug Nelson, Ken Jernstedt, Judy Kiser, Patty McCarthy, and Jim Tindall, who is this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.

And last week while reminiscing about traveling cross-country following my AAA TripTik and Tour Guide, I missed Doug Nelson and Lana Tepfer.

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Do you remember the dance crazes during the 1960s: the Mashed Potato, the Swim, the Hitchhiker, the Watusi, the Jerk? But the most iconic dance was the Twist, where you moved your … well, I don’t think I have to describe it for you!

 For this week’s “Remember When” question, who was the singer that recorded “The Twist”? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-980-4645, or send it with a recording of his second no. 1 hit, “Pony Time.”

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Well, it’s been another week, trying to remember what the score is — and who’s playing! Until we meet again, attitude can make the difference between a good day and a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

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“Getting old is like climbing a mountain; you get a little out of breath, but the view is much better!”

— Ingrid Bergman

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And since we have room this week, here’s our list of nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals throughout the Gorge, available at noon Monday through Friday, unless otherwise noted.

Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) — Wednesdays with music on second and fourth Wednesdays.

Dufur — Wednesdays at noon at 320 NE Second St.

Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060).

Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191).

The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).

For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services at the Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068). In Skamania County, call Senior Services (509-427-3990).