OverSixty January 2023 Issue

3 NEWS OVERSIXTY.COM.AU | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY 2023 NEWS ZOË MEUNIER NEWS Frompage 1 Here are some examples of how our driving abilities can be impacted as we get older, and what the legal licence requirements are. Mobility and reflex issues Stiff joints and weaker muscles can hinder driving. Conditions such as arthritis, Parkin- son’s or the impacts of a stroke might make it harder to do things like turn your head to look back, turn the steering wheel quickly, or brake safely. In general, you may find your reflexes get slower, and you might not be able to react as quickly. You may have a shorter attention span, making it harder to multi-task. Vision and hearing problems Your eyesight can change as you get older. It might be harder to see people, things and movement outside your direct line of sight. It may take longer to read street or traffic signs or see things clearly at night. Glare from the sun, oncoming headlights or street lights can be more of a problem. Eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degener- ation, as well as some medicines, can also cause vision problems. Hearing issues may make it difficult to notice horns, sirens, or even noises coming from your own car, which can be dangerous. Dementia and driving As memory and decision-making skills de- cline with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, driving can be seriously impact- ed. As the affected person may not realise they’re having driving problems, it’s impor- tant for family and friends to closely monitor the person’s driving ability. Medications Many medications have side effects that can impede safe driving. If you take multiple medications, talk with your doctor about how these medications, prescription or oth- erwise, might impact your driving. Don’t drive if feeling lightheaded or drowsy. LICENCE REQUIREMENTS From a legal standpoint, here are the licence requirements across Australia: NSW – From the age of 75 you need to com- plete a medical review every year, regardless of licence class. At 85 you need to pass a prac- tical driving assessment every second year to retain an unrestricted licence. You can get a modified licence without this test, but it will restrict you to certain conditions and areas. Source: NSW Road and Maritime Services Victoria – You can continue driving, provid- ed it is considered safe to do so. But if you de- velop any long-term or permanent physical or mental conditions that might affect your ability to operate a vehicle, you’re legally obliged to notify VicRoads. Source: VicRoads Queensland – Drivers over 75 are required to obtain a valid Medical Certificate for Motor Vehicle Driver and carry it whenever driving. These certificates are valid for 12 months, so you’re required to get a new one every year. Source: Queensland Government South Australia – Senior drivers with- out medical conditions are sent an annual self-assessment once 75. You need to visit a doctor to complete the self-assessment. Fail- ing to do so will make your licence invalid. Source: Government of South Australia Western Australia – Once you reach the age of 80 you’re required to undergo an annual medical assessment and complete the Sen- ior Driver’s Licence Renewal Declaration before you can renew your licence. Source: Department of Transport WA Tasmania – Drivers 75 years and over are no longer required to undertake an annual medical assessment but it’s strongly encour- aged that they self-assess their driving abili- ty. You’re also required to disclose any med- ical conditions. Source: Department of State Growth Tasmania – Transport Know your driving risk NorthernTerritory –While there are no age- based restrictions in the Northern Territory, drivers are legally required to disclose any medical conditions affecting their ability to drive. Source: NT Government Australian Capital Territory – Drivers 75 and over must provide an annual medical certificate confirming they are still medically fit to drive. Source: Access Canberra Researchers at Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and The University of NSW are seeking older adults as research volunteers to trial driving interventions to improve driving in later life. To take part, email www.betterdrive@neura.edu.au Being aware of how getting older affects driving and taking defensive action ensures you stay safe on the roads Photo: Getty Images CONTENTS NEWS 03 Current affairs and events OPINION 08 Share your thoughts LIVE WELL 10 Health, diet and exercise YOUR MONEY 15 Financial health in retirement DOWNSIZING 17 Explore all of the available options LIFESTYLE 18 Reminisce, pets and garden ENTERTAINMENT 24 Celebrity profile, what’s on PUZZLES 30 Crossword, sudoku and more TRAVEL 32 Cruising, domestic and international travel CONTACT US Safe driving tips • Have your driving skills checked by a trained professional • Take a defensive driving course • Minimise driving in bad weather, challenging areas such as high- speed roadways, or at night • Don’t drive when stressed or tired • Wear any required glasses and hearing aids and keep car quiet • Avoid distractions such as eating, loud music, chatting – and keep your phone off and away when driving OverSixty is published by Direct Publishing Pty Ltd General Manager Rohan Scott Group Editor Louise Waterson Head of Digital Content Greg Barton Editor Zoë Meunier Ad Sales Director Sheron White Editorial Enquiries newspaper@oversixty.com.au Advertising Enquiries Michael Grenenger michael@oversixty.com.au Distribution enquiries despatch@oversixty.com.au Mail OverSixty, PO Box 6458, Frenchs Forest, NSW 2086 NORTHERN LIGHTS M A Y 2 0 2 2 | T H E W O R L D ’ S B E S T L O V E D M A G A Z I N E | r e a d e r s d i g e s t . c o m . a u Meet The Dogs That DETECT CANCER PAGE 120 Chasing The Reasons To STOP TV BINGEING and Start Pacing Yourself! 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