This document provides information and guidance on aging sensitivity for volunteers transporting older adult passengers. It discusses common aging myths and stereotypes. The main points covered include ageism, facts about aging populations, considerations for passengers with hearing loss, vision impairments, dementia, temperature regulation issues, fall risks, and tips for assisting passengers getting in and out of vehicles. The overall message is that volunteers should be patient, aware of individual needs, and contact coordinators if they have any concerns about passengers.

1. AGING SENSITIVITY
AG I N G M Y T H S &
S T E R E OT Y P E S
0 4 / 2 3 / 2 0 1 4

2. MYTH BUSTING QUIZ
Review
True & False
Questions

3. AGEISM:
stereotyping and
discriminating
against individuals
or groups on the
basis of their age.
Robert Butler

4. AGING FACTS
• 10,000 people per day turn 65
• VTS is for Veterans, People with
disabilities and people over the age of 50
• Aging is not a disease or a disability!

5. Do’s:
•Speak clearly
•Be patient, give
plenty of time for the
older adult to
respond
•If the individual has
a hearing loss, talk
louder
Don’ts:
•Don’t assume someone
has hearing loss because
they are an older adult
•Don’t yell
•Don’t play the radio if you
are trying to have a
conversation
•Don’t talk too fast
•Don’t cover your mouth
when talking
•Don’t mumble, chew gum
or talk while eating
HEARING LOSS

6. Do’s:
• Be mindful of
curbs, ask
passenger if they
would like
assistance walking
to door and getting
in car
VISION IMPAIRMENT

7. This is not a
normal part of
aging but it is
common
• Passengers
who need an
escort can
have one
person assist
them
• If you
suspect
someone has
dementia the
most
important
thing is to be
patient
• If you have
concerns,
contact the
Volunteer
Coordinator
DEMENTIA

8. A normal part of aging is a
change in the body’s inner
thermostat. Older adults
may have difficulty
regulating their body
temperature.
Do:
• Be mindful of this and
check in with your
passenger to make them
comfortable
TEMPERATURE

9. Do:
•Be patient
•Beware of fall
hazards
•Ask passenger if they
would like help getting
in and out of car
•Make sure vehicle is
in park for transfers
Don’t:
•Rush people
(especially if they
have decreased
mobility)
•Drive off before
someone is out of
the vehicle
FALL RISKS

10. Do:
•Verbally guide
passenger through
“techniques” as
provided in handout
•Encourage passenger
to use their assistive
devices
•Be there for the
passenger if they need
assistance (“Stand-by”)
•Provide an arm for
stability to keep them
steady or balanced
(“contact guard”)
Don’ts:
•Push or pull on body
parts or clothing
•Rush the passenger
•Transport a passenger
who you feel needs
more assistance than
you are comfortable
providing.
•Assume that all
passengers are in need
of assistance
GETTING IN AND OUT OF A
CAR- TIPS

11. AGING FACTS &
CONSIDERATIONS
• We are all aging!
• Everyone is different
• Be mindful and sensitive with passengers
regardless of age
• If you have concerns regarding passengers
contact VTS Staff 844-VTS-RIDE