Improving Elderly Independence: Choosing the Right Car
There are a lot of elderly individuals who are looking for ways to improve their independence. One of the ways to do that is to find the right vehicle. Even though there are a lot of elderly individuals who are thinking about moving away from their years of driving, the reality is that people who have reached an advanced age need to make sure they get the most out of their remaining years. One of the ways to do that is to maintain independence by having the right car. So how can elderly individuals choose the right vehicle to meet their needs?
Think About Back Support
First, you need to think about the back support provided by the vehicle. Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons elderly individuals visit a doctor. You might experience back pain if you climb in a car that doesn’t have the proper support. In particular, you need to pay attention to the support provided by the seat against your lower back. If you think the car is not going to be comfortable, you may want to go with another option. Or, you may wish to add a cushion that will support your lower back. This is even more important for people who have a prior history of back surgery or suffer from chronic back pain.
Consider the Safety Features
When you get older, your reflexes do not work as well as they used to. Therefore, you need to find a car that has the proper safety features. Even though it might be challenging to learn about new technological features, they are essential for protecting you, your passengers, and the other people on the road. For example, you might be looking for a car that will automatically brake when you get too close to another vehicle. Or, you might be looking for a car with a rearview camera that will allow you to pick up foot traffic crossing behind you. Make sure you think about the safety features provided by the vehicle before you decide if that is the right one for you.
Don’t Overlook the Transfer Process In and Out of the Vehicle.
Do not forget to think about the transfer process in and out of the vehicle. Even though you might feel comfortable in the car, what will it be like to get in and out of the car? For example, if you use manual wheelchairs, it might be difficult for you to transfer to a seat that is not at the same height as your wheelchair. Or, if you use a cane, it might take you a bit longer to get in and out of the car. Think about the transfer process before deciding what car you want to buy. In addition, you might want to reach out to an expert who can help you.
Find the Right Car To Meet Your Needs
Ultimately, these are just a few of the many factors that elderly individuals need to consider if they are considering a new car purchase. There are both new and used cars available, and there are plenty of choices on the market. The right car for one person may not necessarily be the right car for you. Therefore, take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of each option before you decide what car you want to buy. Remember that this is not a decision you need to make. Some professionals can assist you.
