Traverse City Record-Eagle

Kathleen Gest: Senior Focus

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July 30, 2011

Senior Focus: Stay calm in an emergency

By Kathleen Gest, Local columnist ----

Emergencies happen when we least expect them. Are you the kind of person who panics or do you take a deep breath, count to 10 and tell yourself you can handle the situation?

You will be able to make a quicker and more intelligent decision if you have learned what to do beforehand.

That's where Camp 911 comes in.

Camp 911 is a one-day, hands-on learning experience for seniors that helps prevent, prepare for, respond to and cope with emergencies and difficult situations.

This year, Camp 911 is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Traverse City Senior Center and includes lunch. Funding for Camp 911 comes from the Bay Area Senior Advocates.

Topics include identity theft, sudden illness, clutter/hoarding, drug disposal, prescription drug use and misuse, domestic violence prevention and Tuesday Toolmen, plus safety tips for seniors.

There also will be vehicle safety fit sessions by Jennifer Ritter, injury prevention coordinator with Michigan State University Extension, Grand Traverse County and Munson Trauma Services. She'll use CarFit, which helps drivers adapt themselves and their vehicles to help with control and protection.

"CarFit was basically designed to make driving safer for seniors and those around them, helping mature adults make sure their vehicles fit them properly," Ritter said. "... A senior's vision has changed, mobility has changed, flexibility has changed. So, if we continue driving like we did when we were 20, we may not be driving in the safest environment possible."

CarFit is not meant to identify whether a senior should or should not be driving; however if there are any red flags drivers can meet with the program's occupational physical therapist.

"We go through a 12- to 15-point assessment list," Ritter said.

CarFit technicians assess things like being able to minimize blind spots, making sure there's enough room between the breast bone and the steering wheel (driving too close to the air bags is dangerous) and making sure the driver has a clear line of vision over the steering wheel.

Tips on adjusting seats, pedals and head restraints are taught, and access to pedals is checked.

The number of older drivers in our nation is growing. The U.S. Census Bureau has projected that by 2030, almost one in five Americans will be age 65 or older, which in turn projects that as many as 65 million older drivers will be on our roads.

Even though some older drivers may find it more difficult to drive today in our fast -paced lifestyle, they can help themselves by taking the initiative to better understand their vehicle's safety features and achieve their safest "fit."

Reservations for CarFit will be taken on a first- come, first-served basis at the registration desk, only on the morning of Camp 911. Appointments are available from 12:30 to 4 p.m.

To register for the free Camp 911, call the Senior Center at 922-4911 or email lwells@tcseniorcenter.com.

Kathleen Bellaw Gest is a local freelance writer. For more about the Traverse City Senior Center, go to www.tcseniorcenter.com.

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