As people get older, their driving patterns change. Retirement, different schedules, and new activities affect when and where they drive. Most older adults drive safely because they have a lot of experience behind the wheel. But when they are involved in crashes, they are often hurt more seriously than younger drivers. Age-related declines in vision, hearing, and other abilities, as well as certain health conditions and medications, can affect driving skills.

When people retire, they no longer drive to work. With more leisure time, they may start new activities, visit friends and family more often, or take more vacations. Like drivers of any age, they use their vehicles to go shopping, do errands, and visit the doctor. Driving is an important part of staying independent.

Most people 70 and older have drivers’ licenses. They tend to drive fewer miles than younger drivers. But, they are also keeping their licenses longer and driving more miles than in the past, often favoring local roads over highways. As the overall population ages, there will be more older drivers on the road.

Driving is a complicated task. It requires people to see and hear clearly; pay close attention to other cars, traffic signs and signals, and pedestrians; and react quickly to events. Drivers must be able to accurately judge distances and speeds and monitor movement on both sides as well in front of them.

It’s common for people to have declines in visual, thinking, or physical abilities as they get older. As a result, older drivers are more likely than younger ones to have trouble in certain situations, including making left turns, changing lanes, and navigating through intersections.

Driving errors can lead to traffic accidents, injuries, and death so having the right very cheap car insurance quote is vital. If you do have a car accident, your insurance cost may go up too. The risk of crashes rises with age, especially after age 75. Studies show that older drivers are more, and less, likely to be involved in certain types of crashes than other drivers. Older drivers are less likely to be involved in crashes related to alcohol use, speeding, and driving at night.

Fortunately, the rate of crashes among adults 65 and over has decreased in recent years. Research suggests that this decline is due to a number of factors, including older adults’ better health, safer cars, and safer roads. In addition, older drivers’ ability to “police” themselves – like not driving at night – and stricter state laws for renewal of driver’s licenses may help.

Most traffic deaths of older drivers occur during the daytime, on weekdays, and involve other vehicles. Older adults are more susceptible to death or serious injury in a crash if they are physically frail, but the good news is that older people are more likely to survive crashes than in the past.

by Lori Harasta

It has been said trees are the earth’s effort to speak to heaven.

Livingston Hospice is a participating sponsor of the Los Padres National Forest’s Penny Pines Reforestation Program. This conservation program began in the early 1960s and has been meeting the ongoing need of restoring fire-and-pest devastated areas of the magnificent national forest that stretches through Ventura County. Each year, Livingston purchases two acres of seedlings which will eventually produce approximately 400 trees.

These will not be just ordinary trees, for each seedling has been planted in memory of a beloved hospice patient. The bereaved family receives a card from Livingston Hospice with local artist Susan Florence’s beautiful forest artwork along with the inscription, “A tree has been planted in the Los Padres National Forest in memory of …”

The Penny Pines Reforestation Program plays a vital role in renewing the national forests in California. For Livingston, it provides the opportunity to comfort families by letting them know they are thought of and will never be forgotten. Livingston is honored to help preserve the memory of their loved ones.

A recently bereaved family sent in this note, “Thank you for the tree planted in Mom’s memory in the Los Padres National Forest. She loved the outdoors and trees!”

A tree planted in someone’s memory is a living tribute that benefits present and future generations, and is perhaps the most fitting memorial gift of all. It is enduring and symbolic; it will grow stronger and blossom with life, year after year.

“Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life.” ~Einstein

by Jayson Cohen, American Legacy Solutions.

You may have heard about new legislation affecting Plan F and C. It’s called the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) in the following article we will discuss some key point that you need to know.

FACT: Consumers currently enrolled or looking to enroll in Plan F prior to January 1, 2020 will have complete flexibility in their cover. They will be able to choose any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare patients.

FACT: Anyone Eligible for Medicare Part A before January 1, 2020, can enroll in Plans F or C even after 2020 and can keep their plan as long as they choose.

FACT: Anyone who becomes eligible for Medicare Part A on or after January 1, 2020, will not be able to purchase a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans F or C. Most Medicare Supplement Insurance companies currently offering F will start to offer Plan G, as some already do.

FACT: Consumers that are already enrolled in Plan F or C don’t need to take any action. Plans F and C will still be available for consumers eligible to purchase then in 2020 and beyond.

FACT: The plan F will you the freedom to travel. The plan goes with you when you travel anywhere in the U.S. and pays a benefit if you receive emergency medical services outside of the U.S. [up to plan limits]

As the Plan F is currently the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement/Medi-gap plan on the market, make sure that you do not allow an agent to talk you out of your rights under the Reauthorization Act of 2015. If you like your coverage now or want the ability to see any doctor that accepts Medicare, anywhere in the country with no referrals or pre-authorizations, then make sure you keep the plan that has worked for many years. If you are new to Medicare and want to get the plan F then take a look at the companies in your area that are currently offering them.

As some companies will offer small fringe benefits to entice enrollment, the heart of the plan (how it pays your bills) is the same from company to company. They only difference you will find between companies is price and customer service. Take some time and make sure you compare all plans on the market to find the best for you and your family.