Published: October 10, 2025
When it comes to healthy aging, the Kendal at Oberlin community is all in. Residents want informed suggestions and tips, and staff members like to share expertise and examples.
One example of this healthy give and take is the Discovery Series. Kendal’s on-site physical therapy department, headed by director Michelle Minnick, offers timely talks on a range of health issues. Here are three on the calendar that are so good we want to share them with other older adults.
1. Safe Driving
When it comes to sensitive issues related to aging, driving is right up there. Older adults and their loved ones know that driving is key to one’s independence and quality of live, but concern for the driver’s safety and others on the road is real too.
Diminishing vision and hearing are two reasons why older adults might find driving challenging.
“We received 85% of all information necessary to drive via our eyes. Colors, especially red, become less bright, making it difficult to detect the flash of brake lights, plus older adults have an increased sensitivity to glare. And 30% of people age 64 or older have a significant hearing loss which can include loss of high-pitched tones, such as hearing horns and sirens when car windows are rolled up,” according to Michelle.
Other aging issues that can impact safe driving are weaker muscles, reduced flexibility, limited range of motion and cognitive decline.
The good news is that older adults can reduce their risk of car accidents in several ways:
- Less night driving;
- Avoid heavy traffic times;
- Limit driving in bad weather;
- Minimize distractions while driving (radio volume, cell phone or passenger conversations);
- Review medication side effects with your doctor;
One tool that can help you assess whether your car is a good fit for you is Car Fit, an educational program developed by AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association that offers several options, including a free 45-minute self-paced online workshop.
The Ohio Department of Transportation also offers several resources for older drivers, including a self-assessment checklist developed by the American Medical Association.
2. Winter Safety
With our gorgeous fall weather, it’s hard to think about ice, snow and cold temperatures but Buckeye residents know what’s around the corner.
Winter weather means increased risk for falls and driving accidents, along with frostbite and hypothermia and injury from shoveling snow.
“Remember, when it’s cold outside, your heart works double time to keep you warm.
Strenuous activities like shoveling snow may put too much strain on your heart, especially if you have heart disease. Shoveling can also be dangerous if you have problems with balance or have “thin bones” (osteoporosis),” Michelle warns.
So maybe this is the year you hire someone to shovel driveways and sidewalks, which means it’s time to line up a neighbor or company. Ditto for new winter gear – coat, hat, gloves, scarf, boots, socks and the like. Also stock your car with basic emergency supplies, such as blanket, flashlight and extra batteries and a small shovel and sand.
Tips for reducing the risk of falling when walking outside in winter weather include:
- In cold temperatures, assume that all wet and dark areas on pavements are slippery and icy
- Wear shoes and boots with good traction and walk at a slower pace;
- Stay on designated walkway and avoid shortcuts;
- Your arms help keep you balanced, so keep hands out of pockets and avoid carrying heavy loads that may cause you to become off balance;
- Avoid listening to music or talking on the phone while walking in icy or snowy conditions so you can hear approaching traffic and other noises.
- Look up occasionally. Be aware of what you're walking under as falling snow and ice can cause injuries
3. Better Balance
Kendal residents will have the opportunity to have their balance and gait assessed at this Discovery Series clinic. If you are concerned about your balance talk to your doctor about scheduling an assessment with a physical therapist.
To improve your balance, check your local fitness club or senior center for balance classes.
Here are some exercises from John Hopkins Medicine to improve your balance.
And two activities especially beneficial for balance are tai chi and yoga.
