For Kentucky drivers over the age of 65, giving up their keys is not easy. Even when basic driving skills that require physical coordination, motor functions, flexibility, and adequate vision start to decline, many senior drivers still aren’t ready to surrender their licenses.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), Kentucky only requires drivers to pass a vision test when obtaining a license, not when renewing one. Drivers are required to renew their licenses every four years, but there are no standard requirements for elderly drivers.
Without any laws regulating senior drivers, anything can happen at any time – resulting in someone’s injury or death.
How exercise can help senior drivers
Luckily, AAA offers some guidance for senior motorists (or those approaching old age) on how to improve their driving capabilities through exercise and stretching routines.
“It is important that we find ways to keep older drivers in good physical health in order to extend their mobility,” said Dr. David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
In order to support the concept of exercise and stretching, AAA commissioned researchers at Columbia University to analyze health challenges faced by seniors, including depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disturbances, pain, physical functioning and participation in social activities.
According to Yang, depression is common in seniors who are required to give up driving. In addition, seniors who don’t drive often are likely to develop poor physical functioning and fatigue.
There are a number of exercise and stretching routines elderly drivers can perform to improve their ability to brake, steer, park, turn to check blind spots, adjust seat belts, and sit for long periods of time. Best of all, it doesn’t have to be anything strenuous.
Incorporating a daily routine
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seniors should include balance training, aerobic exercise and strength training into their daily regimen. They should spend between 2.5 and 5 hours doing moderate-intensity exercises and between 75 minutes and 2.5 hours of high-intensity physical activity.
In addition, seniors should also perform the following stretches:
- Shoulder stretches
- Chin flexion-extensions
- Foot stretches
- Neck rotations
- Press ups
- Trunk rotations
To learn how these stretches are performed and how seniors can benefit from them, AAA offers a comprehensive guide.
In the event you or a loved one was injured in a crash, an experienced car accident attorney at The Whaley Law Firm can help you pursue the compensation you’re entitled to. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.