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Senior Guide for Safe Driving (PDF) - California Department of Motor ...

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4<br />

As you get older, you change physically and mentally.<br />

These changes can and do affect your driving skills.<br />

Becoming older does not automatically result in decreased<br />

driving skills. Many people continue to be safe drivers well<br />

into their retirement years. You have control over lifestyle<br />

choices that may affect your health; <strong>for</strong> example, what<br />

and when you eat, how much and what kind <strong>of</strong> exercise<br />

you get, how you handle stress, your frequency <strong>of</strong> social<br />

interaction, etc.<br />

A healthy, responsive body, along with an alert mind,<br />

requires good nutrition, adequate rest, and exercise<br />

to maintain or increase strength, flexibility, and sharp<br />

reflexes.<br />

nutrition<br />

Proper nutrition helps us maintain our health and provides<br />

us with the energy needed <strong>for</strong> daily activities, including<br />

safe driving. It is easy to overlook the warning signs <strong>of</strong><br />

poor nutritional health as we become older, so always<br />

consult your physician be<strong>for</strong>e making any dietary or<br />

nutritional changes.<br />

If you seem to have lost your appetite, discuss this with<br />

your physician. Loss <strong>of</strong> appetite can sometimes be a<br />

symptom <strong>of</strong> illness or the side effect <strong>of</strong> a medication that<br />

may affect safe driving. The checklist on the next page<br />

is a tool to help you identify areas that may need more<br />

attention. Complete the checklist and take it with you to<br />

discuss your nutritional health with your physician.

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