As we head into winter, you might be wondering how safe you are behind the wheel of a car. It’s something seniors fear but don’t often discuss. Adult children often worry about the issue, too, as a parent grows older.

Because driving represents freedom to many, just the thought of hanging up the keys for good can be emotional. It can lead to contentious conversations among family members.

That’s why the second week of December is designated as Older Driver Safety Awareness Week. It gives aging advocates an opportunity to shine the spotlight on this topic and share important resources.

Age Is Not the Sole Determinant of Driver Safety

While myths and misinformation about older drivers are widespread, the reality is older drivers cause fewer accidents than younger ones. Age shouldn’t be the deciding factor when you stop driving. Some adults in their eighties are better drivers than those several decades younger.

To stay safe behind the wheel, an older driver might only need to invest in a more senior-friendly vehicle or install adaptive devices. Other times, engaging in the right exercises and stretches is the key. A good resource on the topic is Adaptive Devices Can Ease the Drive, Ride for Seniors.

If you are trying to find a way to objectively assess your fitness for driving, we have a few resources you will find useful:

SeniorDriving.AAA.com: This website is rich with articles and tools to support older drivers. This Self-Rating Tool is one. The 15-question assessment allows you to identify your strengths and weaknesses behind the wheel of a car.

Assessing Driving Ability: Another place you can find helpful resources is this site created by AARP. It includes a Fitness to Drive Screening quiz, along with an online class you can take to improve your skills.

Should you decide it’s time to give up driving for good, don’t despair. There are a variety of transportation options you can turn to if you don’t want to ask family and friends for a ride. The Lyft ride sharing service, for example, is trying to cater to older adults. Its app even has a setting you can enable to request a vehicle that can accommodate a wheelchair or foldable scooter.

Another helpful resource is your local Agency on Aging office. Most maintain a list of transportation options for seniors in their local community. They range from senior van services to volunteer drivers. While the COVID-19 pandemic has restricted some of these, the agency can likely still point you in the right direction for help.

One final suggestion is to evaluate whether it might be a good time to relocate to a retirement community. These active lifestyle communities have much to offer, including a transportation department. Most have regular established routes, such as stops at area malls, banks, and pharmacies, as well as the ability to accommodate special transportation requests.

Another option for an older driver to consider is purchasing an emergency alert system. Our Mobile Monitoring Unit allows you to summon help with the push of a button. If you are on your way to the grocery store and fall ill, for example, you can use the device to summon help. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more today!

Wondering how to assess your driving skills? We have some resources to help you decide, along with suggestions for senior transportation alternatives.

Would you be surprised to learn that almost 11 million people over the age of 12 have a vision issue that requires some kind of correction? Many of us take vision for granted until we begin to experience problems. Unfortunately, that approach might prevent the early intervention necessary to keep a small problem from becoming a big one.

In honor of National Eye Exam Month in August, we are sharing why it’s a good idea to schedule a yearly vision checkup.

The Importance of a Yearly Visit to the Eye Doctor

Guidelines from the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommend adults over the age of 65 have an annual vision exam that includes dilating the eyes. This simple practice allows the doctor to get a better look at the retina and optic nerve. Doing so helps them identify potential problems and intervene early.

A yearly vision exam helps identify changes in the eye that are common among seniors, such as:

Cataracts: This condition causes clouding of the eye’s lens. It can cause vision to become blurry. Fortunately, cataracts can usually be corrected with an outpatient procedure. Left untreated, however, it can lead to blindness. In fact, research shows that cataracts account for 50% of all cases of blindness around the globe.

Glaucoma: This is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve in the eye. It is a very serious condition that can cause vision loss and blindness. While the damage caused by glaucoma can’t be reversed, early intervention and treatment may help slow the progression.

Macular degeneration: This age-related vision problem affects the light-sensitive tissue in the eye. Macular degeneration symptoms are gradual and typically not painful. They include loss of central vision, trouble recognizing faces, feeling the need for increased lighting to properly see, and difficulty reading printed words.

Diabetic retinopathy: This vision problem is a complication of diabetes. It happens when high blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels in the retina. These blood vessels can swell and leak or close, stopping blood from passing through. Among its most common symptoms are blurry vision, problems with night vision, seeing floaters in your field of vision, and colors appearing washed out or faded.

Retinal tearing: With aging comes a higher risk for small tears in the inner lining of the eye. These can lead to a dangerous retinal detachment or other conditions that impact vision, like black spots or floaters. Surgery may be needed to repair a torn retina.

Surprisingly, an ophthalmologist might be able to detect other health problems during a vision exam, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and some autoimmune diseases.

Although Medicare usually doesn’t pay for routine eye exams or corrective lenses, Medicare Part B does cover some vision exams. Check with your eye doctor for further clarification on coverage.

For older adults on a limited income, there might be local programs or funding available to help defray these costs. Call the agency on aging to see if they are aware of any resources. Another option is the American Academy of Ophthalmology Foundation. The organization provides free or low-cost exams to seniors who qualify through the EyeCare America program.

Staying on track with routine health screenings, including a yearly vision exam, is just one of many components of healthy aging. How Lifestyle Impacts Healthy Aging is a good article to learn about other ways you can protect your health as you grow older.

When it comes to eye health, early detection and intervention are important. Learn more about common eye diseases and why a yearly eye exam is vital.

Caring for a senior loved one who has Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Sometimes a change of scenery might help you unwind. Whether it’s a beach weekend or a lakeside retreat, caregivers deserve a vacation too, even if it means bringing their aging parent along.

It’s understandable to worry about their safety as you travel. Disruption in routine can present unique challenges for adults with dementia. With careful planning, however, vacationing with a loved one who has dementia is possible. These tips can help you plan.

Vacation Planning When a Family Member Has Dementia

A change in environment is often tough for an adult with dementia whose memory is impaired. Agitation and wandering may increase in unfamiliar surroundings. One way to get around these potential concerns is to return to a favorite family vacation spot. Because short-term memory is usually lost first, the older adult might have fond memories of vacation destinations from the past.

If that isn’t possible, consider destinations that might not be as busy as popular vacation spots. Adults with Alzheimer’s and dementia often have difficulty in loud, busy places.

Another consideration is when and how you will travel. Many people with dementia have times of day that are better for them than others. When is your senior loved one usually at their best? Try to plan your travel arrangements around those times.

Also give thought to transportation. Air travel is usually the quickest, but it might also be the most stressful for someone with memory loss. Airports are noisy and chaotic, especially in larger cities. The whole process of getting through security can be time-consuming and even frightening. Flight delays and cancellations are all too common.

Traveling by car, on the other hand, allows you to control the pace of the trip. If your family member becomes restless or needs to use the bathroom, you can usually find a place along the way to take a quick break. Car travel also allows you to create a safe, soothing environment. Soft music, pillows, and activities to keep them busy might help prevent agitation and anxiety.

When you are the family caregiver for a senior who has dementia, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead for potential emergencies. In addition to keeping an ample supply of their medications and necessities on hand, create a mobile health file to take with you. Include copies of their medical history, a medication list, physician contact information, and important legal documents.

It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with hospital emergency rooms and urgent care centers in the areas you will be traveling to and through. While no one wants to think about a medical emergency happening while they are away from home, it’s important to plan for the worst.

Finally, consider investing in a mobile medical alert system. If your senior loved one becomes separated from you, they can press a button to connect with 911 or a Life Protect 24/7 operator. The choice is yours. Either option can allow you to be reunited wherever you are.

If you have questions about mobile monitoring devices or would like to learn more, call us today at 1-844-203-5617. One of our experienced team members will be happy to help!

Vacations might not seem feasible when a senior family member has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. These tips might make planning easier.

Traveling When a Loved One Has Alzheimer's

As newly or soon-to-be retired adults plan for their futures, a topic that often comes up is how to pay for senior care. While no one likes to think they’ll need it, research shows that nearly 70% of older adults will need long-term care at some point. In some cases, the need is temporary, such as after a hospital stay. For others, however, the change will be permanent. For both situations, long-term care insurance (LTCI) may be helpful.

While both men and women should discuss long-term care insurance with a trusted financial planner, women should take it especially seriously. Most women earn less than their husbands, which often translates to lower social security payments and less (if any) pension. Add to that the fact that women live longer than men.

Here's a quick overview of long-term care insurance along with what it does and doesn’t cover.

Many seniors and adult children are surprised to learn that Medicare doesn’t pay for non-medical home care, assisted living, or nursing home care. It is a health insurance program that focuses on a senior’s medical needs. By contrast, long-term care insurance helps pay for expenses associated with activities of daily living (ADLs).

ADLs fall under the category of custodial care. That incorporates tasks such as bathing, grooming, dressing, using the bathroom, and transferring safely to and from a chair or bed. When a senior can no longer perform these tasks safely on their own, their long-term care insurance policy might help.

LTCI might also be used to support older adults who are not safe living alone. Adults with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, for example, are often unable to live alone. Their disease causes cognitive losses that can put their physical well-being in jeopardy.

While long-term care insurance covers at least part of the cost of nursing homes, many newer policies pay for more than that. Depending upon the plan, an LTCI policy might also pay for part or all of the care in other settings, such as:

If the policyholder meets the company’s criteria—often that an older adult requires help with two out of five recognized ADLs—their LTCI will usually pay a pre-determined daily rate. One caveat to look for is that most companies have an elimination period, typically 90 days, that must be met before payment begins. This is comparable to the deductible on your health care insurance.

The cost of long-term care insurance varies according to each person’s age and health. Because women tend to outlive men, they usually pay more for LTCI. Couples often receive a discount.

If you are looking for a price range, the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index says the average cost of long-term care insurance in 2020, based on a three-year policy, was:

Single male, 65 years old, in good health: $1,400 a year

Single male, 65 years old, with some health issues: $2,100 a year

Single female, 55 years old: $2,675 a year

Single female, 65 years old, in good health: $2,100 a year

Single female, 65 years old, with some health issues: $3,100 a year

Couple, both 55 years old: $3,050 a year (combined)

Keep in mind, these are estimates. You’re or a senior loved one’s unique circumstances might result in higher or lower expenses.

Use a Mobile Monitoring Device for Peace of Mind

Whether it’s a chronic health condition or the risk of experiencing a fall, seniors who live alone might benefit from a mobile monitoring device. These discreet units allow the user to connect with an emergency operator who can summon help 24/7. It offers older adults and those who love them peace of mind.

Call us at 1-844-203-5617 or email info@lifeprotect247.com to learn more!

Are you or a senior loved one considering long-term care insurance but not sure what it really covers? This article will help provide a basic overview.

As worldwide travel is once again on the rise, older adults might be looking for senior-friendly international destinations. While ancient ruins and centuries-old churches are enticing, many aren’t easily accessible.

Fortunately, there are many international travel options that aren’t as challenging for older adults to navigate. This includes cities that have made great strides in accessibility. If you are looking for some interesting and fun destinations, one of the following suggestions might be appealing.

5 International Vacation Ideas for Seniors

River cruises allow older travelers to set their own pace. Central Europe has become a popular destination for senior travels through France, Austria, Germany, Hungary, and more. These smaller vessels offer an up-close view of popular attractions along the river, ranging from vineyards and castles to picturesque villages. River cruises offer an additional benefit of being a home base. You won’t have to repack, drag a suitcase around, and unpack at each destination!

Hiking the Inca Trail in the Andes in southern Peru is a popular bucket list item. But the physical aspects of that dream may be unrealistic for many. Fortunately, there is another option: train travel. Luxury trains like the Andean Explorer allow passengers to traverse the Andes on some of the world’s highest train routes. Private sleeping quarters, a spa, a dining car, and an observation car with an open deck make this the ultimate getaway for people of all ages.

People fortunate enough to have gone on an African safari often say it was the “trip of a lifetime.” While the process of getting there is lengthy, you’ll find a senior-friendly destination once you arrive. Unlike some locations where walking is a primary means of transportation, most visitors to South Africa travel in all-terrain vehicles. Kruger National Park is one of the best-known safari destinations. Beaches and vineyards are other day trips to explore.

Recognizing that ancient churches and buildings are a core attraction in this beautiful old city, leaders knew that accessibility issues were limiting tourism. They successfully fought to change that. Older visitors will now find sidewalks and businesses with ramps to make it easier for those using wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. Instead of having to drag a scooter or another mobility device around the world with you, they can be rented easily. Public transportation is also accessible.

This German city has also worked diligently to improve accessibility. In fact, Berlin is working to be 100% accessible. The city has done everything from making all galleries and museums easy for people in wheelchairs to navigate to widening sidewalks to better accommodate mobility devices. Berlin also has hotels, restaurants, and lounges that go as far as to have wheelchair lifts and raised toilet seats.

No one wants to prevent a senior loved one from enjoying their retirement and living life to the fullest. One way you can help protect an aging family member’s independence is by investing in a mobile monitoring unit. If they experience an emergency, a quick press of a button will connect them with an operator who can assist.

Because the units work wirelessly, older adults can call for help from wherever they roam. That brings peace of mind to the senior and those who love them. Call 1-844-203-5617 today to get started!

Seniors may fear their days of traveling to international destinations are behind them. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to consider.

Senior-Friendly International Travel Destinations

Many older adults dream of traveling once they retire. While families often take weekend trips or vacation getaways, the time demands can make extended travel more difficult. So, retirees and people nearing retirement age often envision lengthy holidays to faraway places.

The COVID-19 pandemic, however, made traveling more difficult, especially outside the country. Many of us settled for planning staycations at or near home. As restrictions ease both in the United States and abroad, people are once again planning vacations.

For seniors, it’s important to keep unique safety issues in mind. That includes everything from getting health insurance to taking important medical information with you. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you plan.

Plan wisely: Our first tip is to set reasonable expectations for yourself and other older adults traveling with you. Group vacations often involve a lot of walking, including up and down hills and stairs. If you are trying to take advantage of the savings packaged vacations typically provide, make sure you and yours can safely keep up. You might be better served by working with a travel agency that caters to older adults. They will be better able to plan holidays that meet the needs of seniors.

Prepare for emergencies: No one likes to imagine a medical emergency will occur far from home, but it’s important to plan for it just in case. Photocopy lists of your medications, key health issues, and physicians’ contact information. Bring enough medication to last in case travel delays keep you from returning home on the planned date. However, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol advises against taking more than a 90-day supply. Also keep medications (including vitamins and supplements) in their original bottles. Obtain a note from your doctor to confirm the necessity of all prescribed medications. Store medications in your carry-on bag to make sure they aren’t lost.

Obtain health insurance: Many Medicare recipients are surprised to learn their health insurance won’t cover trips outside the country. If you have a traditional Medicare plan, you’ll need to obtain a short-term health insurance policy before you leave home. Ask your travel agent for advice during the planning process. If you are a member of a Medicare replacement insurance plan, call them to clarify what is covered when you are abroad.

Protect assets: Confirm with your travel agent that the hotels you will be staying at have an in-room safe. This will allow you to tuck money, credit cards, and a copy of your passport away. Use a money belt under clothing or a crossbody purse to lower the risk of pickpockets targeting you. Some of the most pickpocketed cities are also the most popular destinations for tourists, including Rome, Barcelona, Prague, and Madrid.

Check vaccines needed: Beyond COVID-19 vaccines, specific shots may be required to travel to certain regions. While yellow fever or typhoid typically aren’t found in the United States, they can be a threat in other countries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a Traveler’s Health section on their website you will likely find useful.


If you found this article to be of interest, bookmark our blog and visit often. We share updates each week on topics ranging from senior safety to healthy aging.

If you are looking for a device to allow your aging parent to call for help in an emergency, consider the Life Protect 24/7 mobile monitoring unit. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more today!

Are you a senior starting to plan an international trip? This information will be of interest. We tackle topics ranging from health insurance to vaccines.

Safety Tips for Older Adults Traveling Outside the Country This Summer

Are You Still Safe Behind the Wheel?

As we head into winter, you might be wondering how safe you are behind the wheel of a car. It’s something seniors fear but don’t often discuss. Adult children often worry about the issue, too, as a parent grows older.

Age Is Not the Sole Determinant of Driver Safety

How to Assess Your Driving Skills

Get Help Wherever You Roam

Recent Posts