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Health & Fitness

Tips on Summer Driving for Seniors

As the owner and hands-on operator of a retirement community for over 30 years, Audrey has come to know the challenges and concerns of older Americans. Her experience comes from helping thousands of seniors enjoy their later years in comfort.

During the summer we all do a bit more driving.  We can’t wait to get behind the wheel so we can have our independence and as we age, we dread “giving up the keys.” No matter what our age driving is important to how we live our life.  But it’s important to remember an important distinction.  We must not let driving define who we are as a person.

Is the inability to feel safe when you drive beginning to change your life?  Often, the changes come on so slowly that we hardly notice them.   Do you dread asking family and friends for rides?  Have you stopped going places?  Do you find yourself spending more time with the television than you do with people?  If you answered yes to any of those questions,  I’d like to offer some options to consider such as the local taxi company, having your groceries delivered, or living in a retirement community to help you remain an “on the go” person who’s enjoying life. 

I’ve found that a positive attitude always helps when you are facing changes.  For example, if you must give up your car, you’ll free up money to pay for alternative transportation when you need it because you won’t be paying for car insurance and gasoline.   If you take a taxi, you won’t have to worry about finding a parking space and the walk from the parking lot. If you have your groceries delivered, you won’t make those impulse purchases that are bad for your pocket book—and your diet.  If you choose The Summit of Uptown, you’ll keep your ability to come and go as you please—to appointments, the bank, church and the supermarket—by  using the on-demand services of Summit’s fulltime driver.

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There are always choices when it comes to dealing with anything in life—and one of those things is realizing when it’s time to think about the possibility of giving up the keys.  You’re in charge.  It’s up to you to decide how long to keep driving—or anything else for that matter—but it’s a good idea to give safety concerns—both for yourself and others—some consideration.

For questions and comments, you can call me at 847-825-1161, email me at audrey@summitofuptown.com , or write to me at The Summit of Uptown, 10 N. Summit Ave., Park Ridge, Ill 60068.

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