When Should Seniors Stop Driving - Keeping Seniors Safe on the Road

What adult children should look for and how to help. 

When is it time for a senior parent to stop driving? It’s a question many adult children don’t want to think about, but they should.

 

In 2012, there were 3,616 fatal car crashes involving older drivers, according to the most recent data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). While the number of such annual incidents has decreased since 1997, more than five motorists 70 or older die for every 1,000 automotive accidents involving this age group, which is triple the rate of those age 35 to 54, the IIHS reports.

 

“When to stop driving is one of the most difficult conversations you can have with an older parent,” says Bill Windsor, Associate Vice President of Consumer Safety for Nationwide. “From your parents’ perspective, driving represents the gateway to their independence, a way to maintain control over their lives. But there are trouble signs that could increase the risk of a crash.”

 

Here’s a guide for adult children of seniors with respect to potential red flags, suggestions for adjustments and tips for having a difficult discussion about not driving any longer:

 

Cautionary observation. Diminished motor function, reaction times and cognitive abilities can all impact driving. Watch to see if the senior parent in question struggles to look over his or her shoulder to change lanes, or turn from left to right at intersections to check for pedestrians, suggests Helpguide.org, a site which specializes in mental health guidance and related topics.

 

“You can make assessments based upon talks with your parent’s friends, or your own observations,” Windsor says. “Are they having trouble with the basics? Are they getting lost frequently, or having near crashes?”

 

Expert opinion. Regular medical checkups are key – for vision, hearing, mental alertness and even whether the senior parent is getting enough sleep. “This checkup should include an exchange with the doctor about how your parent’s condition is impacting his or her ability to drive safely,” Windsor says, “as well as if there are any prescriptions being taken that are causing problems.”

 

Back to school. There are many ways to extend longevity for fitness for the road. Daily exercise will improve strength, flexibility, conditioning and mental focus of older drivers. “A parent can also take a defensive driving course to sharpen skills,” Windsor says. “In the process, he or she could earn a discount on insurance premiums.”

 

When it’s time to talk … Here are some takeaways from Windsor and Helpguide about how to approach an elderly parent with concerns, including the possibility of giving up the keys:

• Be respectful. You won’t get anywhere with a confrontational manner or lots of accusations. To avoid backing your parent into a defensive corner, approach him or her with empathy. “Put yourself in their shoes by understanding how trying this kind of transition can be,” Windsor says. “In a non-critical way, provide factual examples of what you and others have seen.”

 

• Enlist a detached professional party. If a driving specialist or the family doctor takes part in the conversation, the parent may respond more positively, as opposed to dismissively perceiving urgings from a family member as “nagging.”

 

• Ease in with a transition. Instead of asking a parent to go “cold turkey,” you might suggest little adjustments at first, such as not driving at night or on busy freeways.

 

• Have a plan. If you feel a parent really should stop driving, it’s best to offer alternatives for getting around so he or she won’t feel “trapped” and housebound. Options include public transportation, ride sharing, community shuttles, senior transit, taxis and walking. “Collect lots of information and come up with a viable action plan,” Windsor says.

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5 Essential Tips to Keeping Your Pet Healthy This Summer

 

Thinking about ways to get in shape for summer? Don’t forget your pet. Pets require good nutrition and exercise, too. And with summer here, there’s more to consider. From vet visits to insurance coverage, it’s smart to plan ahead so your 4-legged friend can put their best paw forward.

Get your pet in top shape

Help keep your pet in the trim by feeding them well-proportioned, nutritious meals, along with healthy snacks. Ask your vet for recommendations. Make sure their weight is in the range for their breed and age; otherwise, they may have serious health problems down the road. The main cause of obesity in pets is overfeeding, so don’t fall victim to those puppy eyes (we know it’s hard).

Protect your pal’s skin

Think all that fur shields your pet from harmful ultraviolet rays? With skin cancer being the most common form of cancer in dogs and the second most common in cats, protecting their skin from the sun is vital. If your pet will be outdoors for an extended period of time, talk to your veterinarian about using a pet sunscreen on unprotected areas like the nose and ears. Also, make sure they stay hydrated and in the shade.

Beware of bugs

Warmer months mean more fleas, ticks and mosquitos. Giving your pet preventive medicine will avert insects that can carry heartworm disease. Ask your vet about keeping your pet parasite-free. And stay up to date on vaccinations.

So fresh and so clean

You may notice more than the normal amount of hair around the house in the summer. Somebody’s shedding their winter coat. Frequent brushing helps keep shedding under control. Other necessary grooming includes:

• Nail trimming
• Bathing
• Dental care
• Eye and ear cleaning

Don’t forget pet insurance

For the same reasons you have health coverage, your pet should have pet insurance. No matter what type of pet you have or the size of your budget, there are coverage options to fit both your needs.

 

Learn about the wide range of plans available today from Veterinary Pet Insurance^®.

5 Small Business Trends You May Want to Follow in 2014

 

True entrepreneurial spirit was a hallmark of 2013. According to the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity, about 476,000 new business owners emerged each month – a strong sign of economic recovery in the U.S. And the trend is likely to continue through 2014.

 

With so many drastic changes in recent years, the way in which we conduct business will only continue to transform and evolve. Let’s take a look at some of the 2014 business themes and trends.

 

 Rise of the virtual workforce

 

The widespread adoption of virtual work practices is a theme we’ll see in 2014. A recent International Data Corporation (IDC) forecast projected that the mobile worker population will exceed 1.3 billion by 2015.

 

This increase will allow companies to be more flexible and have access to a larger, more diverse talent pool and lower office costs, freedom of job location and overall job satisfaction. We have the internet to thank for making this possible, as all work and communication activities can be logged online.

 

Leveraging social media

 

As of September 2013, 71% of all online adults used Facebook. Today, 81% of millennials are active on Facebook. More small businesses are using this trend to their advantage – turning to social media, such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to engage with customers. This gives businesses the opportunity to display a more human side. More companies are also adding social media to their overall marketing campaigns.

 

Mobile website optimization

 

A mobile-friendly website is key to the long-term success of small businesses. January 2014 marked the first time that Americans using mobile devices to access the internet surpassed PCs. At the very least, businesses should make sure their website properly fits on a mobile screen so users can easily navigate the site.

 

Investment in mobile apps

 

As we’re living in a mobile world, more small businesses are beginning to connect with existing and potential customers via smartphone apps. For example, a restaurant may use an app to broadcast its menu and any upcoming specials. Business owners can also use mobile apps to better manage their finances.

 

Crowdfunding as a capital source

 

While it’s not a new idea, many businesses are relying on crowd-funding websites to raise capital. Crowd-funding involves raising small amounts of money from a large number of people. The crowd-funding market hit $2.7 billion in 2012 – and shows no signs of slowing down.

 

These are a few of the small business trends headlining 2014. While many trends come and go, one that will never go out of style is the need for business owners to invest in reliable small business insurance. Learn more about the wide variety of industries we serve.

10 Things You Should Know Before Renting a Car

There may come a time when you need to rent a car – a temporary set of wheels for use on vacation or when your car is in the shop. Whatever the situation, it’s important to know the ins and outs of renting a car, which can help you avoid the most common hidden fees that rental agencies charge.

1. Limit additional drivers

Will you be the only driver – or will someone else in your party take the wheel at times? If you share driving duties, you may have to include additional names on the rental contract, which could increase the cost. Age is also a factor, as drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 are more expensive. Your best bet is to try to keep the number of drivers to a minimum to avoid supplementary fees and stress.

2. Review your car insurance policy

While rental reimbursement insurance covers the actual cost of a rental car, it does not protect the rented vehicle in the event of an accident. Before accepting the insurance option offered to you by the rental agent, check with your agent to see if your personal car insurance policy includes collision and comprehensive coverage. If you already have this coverage on your regular vehicle, there’s a good chance it will transfer to a rental car so be sure to check your policy.

3. Get educated on travel policies

Taking your rental car out of state? Check for restrictions or additional fees. Renting in another country? Know that many insurance policies don’t offer coverage abroad.

4. Fill up before returning

Rental companies often require that the car be returned with a full tank of gas or they’ll charge you a substantial fee to refill the tank. Fill up yourself – at a gas station near the rental outlet.

5. Bring your own accessories

As with gas, rental car companies generally charge more – often on a daily basis – for extras like navigation systems or baby safety car seats. Bring your own.

6. Driving safety background checks could block you

If your driving record isn’t up to par, you could be rejected from renting a car – yes, even if you have a reservation. Some rental agencies look at your background to check for incidents of reckless driving, accidents or seat belt violations. If your past doesn’t meet company standards, you could be out of luck.

7. Inspection is necessary

Make sure to inspect the car thoroughly before signing the rental contract. You don’t want to be held accountable for existing damage. Also, have an employee sign off on any ding, scratch or dent you spot. Most rental companies require you to sign an inspection form, but many people are in a hurry and rush through the process. Take this step seriously.

8. Avoid costly airport locations

Consider renting your car at a location away from the airport. Being able to rent and return at the terminal can be a more convenient option, but you can expect to pay for that convenience through additional airport fees.

9. Beware of credit card blocks

Are you nearing your credit limit or is your bank account balance low? Ask if the rental company puts a block on credit or debit cards – a practice used to ensure that customers have enough money to pay their bill.

10. Return on time

You may be surprised to learn that you could be charged extra for returning your rental car early. Bringing the vehicle back ahead of time, or later than agreed upon, could result in additional fees. If you anticipate a change in drop-off time, ask the rental agent about the company policy.

 

Don’t wait until it’s too late. These 10 tips can help you to stay clear of a rental car nightmare.

Dog-Friendly Vacation Ideas to Consider This Summer

 

Do you experience separation anxiety when leaving your 4-legged friend behind while you’re on vacation? Luckily, there’s a simple solution – plan a dog-friendly getaway. Whether you and your pet are beach bums or active movers and shakers, there are plenty accommodating trip ideas the whole family can enjoy.

 

Beach Bums

 

What could be better than a beach where dogs are free to frolic in the sand? Dog-friendly beaches allow you to catch some rays and enjoy a refreshing dip – right along with your pup. Don’t forget to set up some shade to help protect your furry friend from the summer sun.

 

Fearless Adventurers

 

Water sports are fun with other humans, but water sports with your pet are even better. Take surfing. So Cal Surf Dogs is Southern California’s dog surfing club. For beginners to pros, the club offers a variety of lessons at Del Mar Dog Beach that aligns with you and your dog’s skills. Experienced instructors provide techniques and the proper equipment to ensure that you and your canine are safe at all times.

 

Sightseeing Enthusiasts

 

Is kayaking or hiking more your fortè? There are loads of options for you and your pal to explore nature together. Consider renting a kayak or paddle board or visit one of the many dog-friendly hiking trails. Be sure to protect your pet with a life vest when renting a kayak or paddle board, and to bring plenty of water when you hit the trails.

 

Ski Searchers

 

For those who prefer a winter vacation, consider ski resorts that cater to pet owners and offer dog-specific trails for skiing (some stay open until early July) and hiking in warmer weather.

 

Visit the Cross Country Ski Areas Association site for a list of dog-friendly ski spots.

 

No matter what type of traveler you are, there’s a getaway for you and your pet. Let the planning begin and remember to review this travel checklist before packing your dog’s favorite bone. Which of these ideas will be on your itinerary?

10 Tips for Staying Healthy at Work

At Nationwide, we know being healthy is important. Recently, we earned Gold Level HealthLead Workplace Accreditation for our healthy workplace because of our associates’ commitment to make living a healthy life a priority.

 

It’s not always easy to stay healthy if you work at a desk all day, so we’ve put together 10 great tips to stay fit at work.

 

1. Find ways to fit a few more steps into your day – and do it. To move a little more, park farther away, take the stairs or map out a walking route.

 

2. Wear a pedometer or other activity-monitor. Studies show when you track, you walk more. Know your baseline and then try to increase over time to 10,000 steps a day.

 

3. Buddy up. Find a co-worker to help motivate you to reach your goals.

 

4. Take advantage of work or community resources, like health screenings, nearby parks and wellness discounts.

 

5. Plan out your lunches and snacks for the week. Make more informed decisions by checking food labels and nutrition information.

 

6. Avoid the drive-thru. Pack a healthy lunch instead.

 

7. Look for new ways to go to places you frequent most. Just by tweaking your route, you can often double your steps or add in a staircase.

 

8. Create mini-challenges in your work group. Challenge coworkers to eat breakfast for a week, add in a serving of vegetables or floss daily.

 

9. Traveling? Don’t give up your routine. Plan ahead for meal options and stay hydrated. We often substitute food when we aren’t hungry, but are actually thirsty.

 

10. Track your food intake by writing in a journal or using a smartphone app. Tracking your food consistently improves weight loss success.

 

Now that we’ve given you our best tips, we would love to hear yours. What tips do you have to stay healthy at work?

RV Campgrounds for Your Next Vacation

 

Whatever vacation destination fits your style or taste, you’ll find it behind the wheel of an RV. Locations that cater to RVers run the spectrum from roughing it to refined.

Back to basics

If you’re a natural camper looking to escape modern technology, consider Horse Thief Lake Campground in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The family-owned and -operated campground transports you back to simple days, when all you had to do was enjoy the great outdoors. And if you’re up for more exploring, Mt. Rushmore is only a few miles away.

National park people

In close proximity to Yosemite National Park is the Yosemite Pines RV Park, an affordable, kid-friendly spot with a variety of amenities for you and the family. In addition to outdoor activities, such as mountain biking and swimming, the kids will love the alpaca-filled petting zoo and gold mine.

Luxury lovers

New to the RV scene and not ready to abandon the comforts of a hotel? Lake Osprey RV Country Club, a luxurious RV resort, balances scenic views for the nature fanatics with countless amenities. Located in Elberta, Alabama, the resort features an 18-hole golf course, clubhouse, pool and free WiFi.

Popular pads

With a grade “A” rating from guestrated.com for the past six years, South Haven Sunny Brook RV Resort in southwest Michigan is clearly popular among RVers. The 65-acre resort has a private lake, kayaking expeditions, fitness centers and scenic hiking trails. Guests can also take advantage of an extensive events calendar filled with music, contests and food. Another plus? The resort is situated near beautiful Lake Michigan.

RV newbies

Anxious to go on an RV trip, but lack the essentials – like a recreational vehicle? No problem. The Shady Dell RV Park in Bisbee, Arizona, provides travelers with a selection of nine restored vintage RVs. If you’re looking for quiet time and privacy, this may be the choice for you, since the crowds are kept small and the noise level is kept to a minimum.

 

Have your pick from luxurious to the pure outdoors. And to help make your trip safe, as well as fun, look over this RV checklist before hitting the highway.