Avin

Help for Elderly Drivers

admin — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 09:09:30 +0000

Are you worried about the safety of an elderly driver in your family? If so, the good news is that there is an established and well-regarded American program, Car Fit, which might help your driver and ease your mind.

http://www.car-fit.org/

Here’s a paraphrased summary of information from the website:
“Created by the American Society on Aging and developed in collaboration with AAA (American Automobile Association), AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association, Car Fit is designed to:
a. help older drivers find out how well they currently fit their personal vehicle,
b. highlight actions they can take to improve their fit, and
c. promote conversations about driver safety and community mobility. A proper fit in one’s personal vehicle can greatly increase not only the driver’s safety but also the safety of others.

Three quick examples underscore the importance of road safety to the CarFit program, which reviews twelve key areas of the driver’s fit to the personal vehicle.
1. Example one: Knowing how to properly adjust one’s mirrors can greatly minimize blind spots for drivers who may wish to change lanes.
2. Example two: Good foot positioning on the gas and brake pedals is important. If the driver is reaching with his or her toes to press on the pedals, it can cause fatigue in one’s leg and slowed reaction times.
3. Example three: Drivers run a risk of serious injury if they are sitting closer than 10 inches to the steering wheel.

Is CarFit effective? CarFit was pilot tested in 10 cities in the spring of 2005 with more than 300 older driver participants. Based on findings from the CarFit checklists completed at the events and follow-up surveys of participants, the program appears to be highly effective on multiple fronts. Some of the results show:
…over one-third (37%) had at least one critical safety issue needing addressed.
…one in ten (10%) were seated too close to the steering wheel.
…approximately 20% did not have a line of sight at least 3″ over the steering wheel.

In addition, the vast majority of those responding to the survey indicated that as a result of having gone through the CarFit event, they made a change to improve the fit of their vehicle, their use of safety features in their vehicle and/or their willingness to discuss their driving with family and/or health care providers.
A number of Car Fit events have already been scheduled across the US. You can Check out the one closest to you at http://www.car-fit.org/carfit/EventMap or contact an Occupational Therapist in your area for local information.”

Car Fit also recommends a number of simple and effective products, which can increase comfort and/or safety for elderly drivers, including the Handybar, which is made by Avenue Innovations Inc.. Under the brand “AVIN”, Avenue manufactures and distributes a number of automobile-centric products under its AVIN brand. AVIN products can help the elderly and disabled to drive more comfortably and safely for as long as the government gives them a Driver’s License.

AVIN Products which may help the elderly and disabled drive more safely and comfortably.
1. The Handybar: The Handybar is a simple and effective mobility aid, which helps elderly and disabled drivers and passengers get in and out of cars, trucks, and SUVs, safely and comfortably. The Handybar fits both driver and passenger doors on 95% of all automobiles made since 1998. Supports up to 350 pounds. Tactile grip is slip resistant in rain and snow. Provides users with increased sense of independence, dignity and self-esteem.

2. The Swivel Cushion: The Swivel Cushion is a soft and flexible cushion, which rotates 360 degrees and allows the user easier and more comfortable transfer in and out of a vehicle. It can ease the strain on a lower back strain and allow those with weak legs to swing their legs around more easily. Works well in combination with the Handybar.

3. The Automobility Solution: The Automobility Solution combines two excellent products, which address related needs for many elderly and disabled drivers. The Handybar allows the user to safely get in and out of their vehicle, while increasing personal dignity and independence –while lowering the chance of falls. It fits securely into either the passenger or driver side of the door of almost all types of vehicles and comes with added safety features such as a window breaker and seat belt cutter in case of an emergency. The SwivelCushion is a soft, flexible swivel seat, that’s unique design allows for easy transfer in and out of a vehicle. It swivels 360 degrees allowing the user full range of motion. Packaged together, they make a thoughtful gift for an elderly or disabled driver or passenger.

4. Grab & Pull Seatbelt Reacher: The Grab&Pull seatbelt reacher is an easy-to-pull handle that easily attaches to the seatbelt without tools. It serves as a convenient handle for people who need a little extra help reaching and/or pulling their seatbelts around. Often used by able bodied people with sore shoulders, or whose car seat is pulled so far forward, that they have a hard time reaching the seatbelt way behind them

5. Panoramic Mirror: The 17” Panoramic Mirror is intended to help those with reduced peripheral vision. It eliminates/reduces blind spots and increases Driver confidence.

If you’d like more information, please email info@avenueinnovations.com or phone Avenue Innovations toll-free at 888-738-0611

Battling Aging – Driving with Arthritis

admin — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:51:51 +0000

How can arthritis affect your driving?

Driving represents freedom, mobility and independence for so many people. Unfortunately, our ability to drive can be compromised as our physical and mental state ages. If you or someone you love is affected by arthritis, let’s talk about how they can continue to have their independence and drive safely.
Having arthritis can make your joints swollen and stiff, which can limit how far you can bend or move your shoulders, hands, head and neck. This can make it harder to grasp or turn the steering wheel, apply the brake and gas pedals, put on your safety belt or look over your shoulder to check your blind spot. As a result, arthritis can make it harder for you to drive safely. If arthritis affects your hips, knees, ankles or feet, you also may have difficulty getting in and out of your car. Despite these challenges, many people with arthritis can still drive safely. What can you do to ensure you or your loved one’s safety?

What can you do?

Your doctor can refer you to a rehabilitation center or a specialist who can determine if, and how, your arthritis is affecting your driving. The specialist may offer training to improve your driving skills. That training may include how to use special devices that you can have in your car to make it easier for you to drive safely. Avin products are designed to aid in keeping yourself and your loved ones safe while driving. The Handybar can help if you are having trouble getting in and out of your car and need a little extra support, or the grab and pull can make it easier for you to put your seatbelt on without straining the joints in your neck and shoulder. Choose products that are right for you that will make your driving more comfortable and safe.

Improving your driving skills and using devices that will help will keep you and those around you safe. Keep your driving independence and learn to be a safe driver even with arthritis.

Food deserts make healthy eating difficult

admin — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:51:51 +0000

Bill Easley, a 70 year old ex-army veteran living in Columbia, only gets 4 rides a month to the centre of town. He doesn’t own his own mode of transportation and the bus route he used to use to get to the grocery store was discontinued.

The Central Missouri Area Agency on Aging is the organization that provides Easley with these rides and only if he can spare them does he make it to the grocery store. The area that this man lives in is considered to be one of Columbia’s “food deserts”. These are areas in which it’s quite difficult to access fresh produce and healthier food options. For many older adults who can’t bike or do not own a car, it is a struggle to have the option to each fresh yet inexpensive produce. Advocacy groups are Columbia are fighting against obesity in these areas especially in children. A certain area is still considered to be a food desert even if it is abundant with fast food restaurants. Having no healthy alternatives means that children who are living in these areas are more likely to become obese and because convenience stores with freezers full of unhealthy frozen meals and ice cream are the only thing readily available, consequences can be dire.

If you are familiar with areas like this or are a part of this problem, help out your neighbor! Especially the elderly who don’t have other options! Maybe offer them a ride when you are going into town or do a good need for the week and bring some groceries back to someone who doesn’t have the privilege to go pick out their own groceries.

Menderski, Margaret. “”Food deserts make healthy eating difficult” Missourian. Missourian, 08/03/11. Web. 27 Apr 2011.

If she can do it in her 60’s, you can do it!

admin — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 23:51:51 +0000

Nationwide studies done in the United States have shown that there has been a steady increase in the number of older adults working in the business of working out. Sharon Hill, now 61, is a prime example of those older adults who have started to pursue a career as a personal trainer. After having a 32-year career in sales for companies like Xerox and I.B.M., she was burnt out and needed a change of lifestyle. Determined to get herself into better shape, in October 2001, she impulsively walked into a newly opened gym near her home in the Scripps Ranch section of San Diego.
Ms. Hill began one-on-one training with Todd Durkin, the gym’s owner, and joined a walking and jogging group that met on weekends. Soon, she was doing things she had never dreamed possible: winning her age group in a local 5K race, doing three unassisted pull-ups, dropping to a size 4 from a size 8. With the encouragement of Mr. Durkin and her husband, Bob, Ms. Hill enrolled in a personal training certification program at the University of California, San Diego. “It was hard to go back to school,” she acknowledged. “And I was taking anatomy and exercise physiology classes, which involved a lot of memorization.”

She finished the program in 10 months, passed a certification test with the American Council on Exercise, one of the major national certifying bodies for personal trainers, and in the fall of 2002, went back to Mr. Durkin. For the next two years, she reported for duty at 5 a.m. Soon, the growing number of older clients at Fitness Quest 10 wanted to work with her.

Since the number of older adults wanting to get fit and make changes in their lifestyle is increasing, they feel more comfortable and at home working with someone who is closer to their age at the gym. They no longer have to feel intimidated by a 32 year old, chiseled young man who may not understand what it is like to get active again when you are older.

If you are a baby boomer who is not quite ready to retire and wants to make a change in your lifestyle, and understands what exercise can do for your health as a senior, then take Ms. Hill as an example and get involved at your local fitness centre. Some extra activity alone will give you more energy, and provide you with a basis for a more active lifestyle.

Hanc, John. “Tones, Strong and a Little Gray, Too” NewYork Times 2 March 2011: n. pag. Web. 18 Mar 2011.

Your pup could be what’s keeping you fit!

admin — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:51:51 +0000

Thanks to our furry friends, dog owners are 34% more likely to get the recommended amount of exercise per week. “Dogs can be a great motivator for physical activity. People, who walk their dogs, walk more. They walk about an hour longer each week,” said study author Mathew Reeves, an associate professor of epidemiology at the Michigan State University in East Lansing. Even if you can’t seem to get motivated about keeping yourself healthy and active, maybe you’ll do it for your cuddle buddy.

It is necessary for every dog to be outside and go for a walk most days out of the week, so no matter what the excuse, it is important for their health and should be a motivating factor for dog owners. Our recommendation to you is that if you know you aren’t getting the recommended amount of exercise that you need to stay healthy and active, maybe a pup to keep you on your toes is just what you need.

Gordon, Serena. “Fido May Help Keep You Fit” Health Day 15 March 2011: n. pag. Web. 23 Mar 2011.