Page 9 - MidWeek - Jan 11, 2023

Back in my day, getting your driver’s license was the ticket to independence. It was a standard rite of passage from childhood to becoming a young adult. For me, it was a joy as well as a tremendous responsibility.
I was now in charge of physically taking the checks and payment vouchers to the bank for our mortgage and utility bills. I also had to bring payment coupons and installments to the various department stores, run household errands, pick up groceries and make deliveries. Yes, that’s how it was done back in the day. In addition, I was tasked with picking up my mom from work every day, which also meant I got to drive to school and didn’t have to wait to get picked up. I had freedom! I also got a job that I could drive to on nights and weekends to earn my own money. I managed to sandwich everything in with work and high
school — it was awesome and I loved it!
That’s why I’m surprised today’s youth are not chomping at the bit to get their licenses, and have even been encountering more and more adults who do not drive and have no desire to do so. It is absolutely fascinating to me. Nonetheless, for those who do drive, when do we stop? Pilots are required to hang up their wings at 65. Federal firefighters with 20 years of service must retire at age 57. Supreme Court justices can serve a lifetime with good behavior. Yet, science suggests that our brain starts to deteriorate at age 45.
The adage that age is only a number is very true in this scenario. There are many factors that determine when you should hang up the car keys. Not all 80-year-olds are created equal. I have friends in their 50s who no longer drive at night. My parents
To Drive? Paulette Ito
January 11, 2023 MIDWEEK 9
PAULETTE ITO
SVP Marketing
Hawaiian Financial Federal Credit Union
To Drive Or Not
and in-laws are into their 80s and function well, and are more active than some who are 60 or 70 years old. It’s why the answer to drive or not becomes very difficult and somewhat subjective.
Do you feel confident? How are your reflexes? How is your memory? In my personal experience, most are willing to hang it up voluntarily, especially at night and for freeway driving. For those few who are not willing to hang it up, I’ve noticed it’s for the same reason I wanted my license to begin with. Being able to drive on one’s own is empowering. It is freedom, and it is often fulfilling a need. Taking away a loved one’s car keys can be a bitter battle, so make sure it’s absolutely necessary to take that path. Do you see scrapes and bumps on the
car? Are you witnessing decreased memory and cognitive functions? Find out where they are going and see if there are alternatives. You may also want to work with their doctor or a clergyman whom they may respect, whose opinions and input they value.
In working on the “Get Your House In Order” campaign, I’ve encountered many seniors who don’t want to talk to their family members. They do not want to be a burden, and they make excuses for their children as to why they can’t ask them for assistance:
• “They have a demanding job.”
• “The kids take up much of their time.”
•“They have more important things to do.”
Seniors and families of seniors, please make time for each other and ask the right questions:
• “Is there anything I can do for you?”
• “What can I do to make your day better?”
A little quality time and attention go a long way.
Helping all of Hawai‘i’s ‘ohana achieve their highest quality of life possible is the main goal of the “Get Your House In Order” campaign, while also reminding everyone of the importance of sound life-planning decisions. When the time comes to give up driving, do you have your title papers organized along with your insurance and safety check? Does the car still have a lien? Compiling these items is important for you and those who will manage your affairs. Start
documenting them in your Ho‘okele guidebook.
Ho‘okele is a personal planning booklet that contains legacy wishes, employment and retirement information, insurance and bank document locations, and vital contacts. There are four phases of the “Get Your House In Order” campaign, with a new section of the Ho‘okele guidebook available from the HIFICU.com website during each quarterly phase. Ho‘okele 1.1 and 1.2 are now available. Download your copy today and start completing your booklet.
For more information about the “Get Your House In Order” campaign, email gyho@hificu. com. And don’t forget to tune in to KITV at 7 p.m. every Saturday to watch Get Your House In Order.
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