Senior Living News

As you age, you may face physical challenges such as chronic pain, arthritis and mobility issues. Your energy levels may be lower than when you were younger, and your body may not be as strong as it was. You may need to consider a vehicle that's more senior-friendly and safer to drive.

Points to Consider When Choosing a New Vehicle for Long-Term Independent Living

Key factors to consider when buying a vehicle to support your long-term independence include:

• Accessibility
• Comfort
• Size
• Driving position
• Safety
• Reliability
• Disabilities

Accessibility

Choose a vehicle that's easy to get into and out of, and check the size of the doors and their shape. Also, consider the height of the vehicle's roof and its floor. Wide-opening doors, a moderate seat height and low sill height are easier for seniors than low-slung cars or tall SUVs.

Take a look at the trunk bed. Does the trunk lid or rear door open fully so you can easily remove groceries or luggage without having to lift heavy objects over a high sill? Powered tailgates are a great asset, as you can open and close them at the push of a button, You should also think to the future and consider the practicalities of loading a walker, wheelchair or scooter.

Comfort

If you plan on traveling long distances, you need a vehicle with comfortable seats. Points to look for are supportive cushions, a backrest with adjustable lumbar support and good armrests. Heated and cooled seats are more comfortable on longer trips or in extreme weather. Powered seats are easy to adjust for your driving position, and their memory features make it easy if there will be different drivers.

Size

Do you require a full-size car, SUV or truck? Compact vehicles are easier to drive, maneuver and park. They cost less and have better visibility, and their running cost and fuel economy are better than larger vehicles. Seniors will find that tasks like cleaning the windshield, changing a flat in an emergency or just checking the radiator are more manageable with smaller vehicles.

Driving Position

It's important you find a comfortable driving position where you and your spouse can reach the controls, see clearly over the steering wheel and reach the pedals. See if the vehicle offers good all-around visibility with few blind spots. Is the dashboard clear and uncluttered? Are displays easy to see in bright light? Verify that common controls like the radio, air conditioner and navigation are easy to use without causing distraction.

Safety Features

Choose a vehicle with good safety features and excellent crash protection. These will help keep you safe on the road and, in case of an accident, help protect you from injury. Other safety features to consider include:

• Adaptive cruise control that keeps a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead
• Emergency braking that can detect if a collision is likely
• Blind spot warning feature
• Rear cross-traffic warning for help negotiating busy parking lots
• Lane departure detection

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) routinely tests all new vehicles and names the top safety picks in different vehicle categories.

Reliability

Select a reliable vehicle. No one, least of all seniors, wants to break down at the side of the road or face frequent visits to the dealer for repairs. Consumer Reports records members' problems with vehicles and scores brands according to their predicted reliability. While U.S. brands don't generally score that well, it's worth noting that many individual vehicles from American manufacturers have high scores.

Disabilities

If you or your spouse has age-related disabilities, it's possible to fit adaptive equipment into many vehicles or convert them for wheelchair accessibility through the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. There are at least four dealers within 25 miles of LifeStream at Sun City that follow the NMEDA quality assurance program.

Vehicle Options

The right vehicle depends on many factors, and not all seniors have the same needs. Some are active and enjoy traveling and outdoor adventure, while others are more comfortable with a quieter life. Vehicle options for independent living seniors include:

• Sedans: Sedans are practical, comfortable and easy to drive. However they have limited storage, and their low height may make entry and egress more difficult.
• SUVs: These are taller and stand higher off the ground. Crossover SUVs are easier to get into than sedans, and both SUV types have more accessible cargo space. However, they're heavier and more expensive, and some may be too high for easy access.
• Minivans: Offering the practicality of wide doors, easy access and great cargo space, minivans are a good compromise between a sedan and an SUV.
• Electric vehicles: With a quiet ride and low running costs, electric vehicles are an excellent alternative. Points to consider are the availability of charging facilities and battery range.

Make the most of your independent lifestyle at LifeStream at Sun City by choosing the best vehicle for your current and long-term independent living needs.

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