Helping Older Ohioans Continue to Drive

Helping Older Ohioans Continue to Drive

Author: Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson December 4, 2023 Duration: 49:26

We had the pleasure of talking with Kimberly Schwind, Assistant Director & Training Programs Administrator, Ohio Traffic Safety Office for the Ohio Department of Public Safety. And Angie Wise, Ohio Statewide CarFit Coordinator for the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, about important initiatives to support the mobility and safety of older Ohioans behind the wheel.

Here are 3 key takeaways from our conversation:

1️⃣ Self-Assessment: It's crucial for older drivers to regularly assess their comfort and capabilities on the road. Visit the Stay Fit to Drive website to access a helpful self-assessment checklist. Identifying areas of discomfort will allow you to adjust your driving habits accordingly and plan road trips during the day if night driving is a concern.

2️⃣ Improve Your Skills: Taking driving courses, such as those offered by AAA or AARP, can enhance your driving skills and help you adapt to new technologies in vehicles. Whether you love or find certain features tiresome, becoming familiar with technology will boost your confidence behind the wheel.

3️⃣ Community Support: Approaching the conversation of giving up driving can be difficult, but remember that numerous resources are available to maintain your independence. Driver rehabilitation specialists throughout Ohio can help evaluate your abilities, suggest alternative transportation options, and provide adaptive equipment if needed. Additionally, explore support within your community, such as neighbors, relatives, or spiritual community members, who may be able to serve as alternative drivers.

Here are the resources we mention in the podcast.

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.

Find us on Bluesky and Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson


Hosted by Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson, Looking Forward Our Way is a conversation built on practical wisdom for navigating modern adulthood. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a resource grounded in the real-world challenges and opportunities that define daily life. Each episode connects you with knowledgeable guests who share actionable insights across a surprisingly broad landscape-from securing meaningful work or starting a business, to managing personal finances, understanding legal basics, and adapting to new technology. We delve into the foundations of a good life, covering aspects like sustainable healthy habits and finding the right housing. The aim is to leave you with useful resources and a genuine sense of inspiration, turning every discussion into a tangible step forward. Released twice a month, this podcast serves as a reliable touchpoint for anyone looking to build confidence and competence in their personal and professional spheres. Tune in for thoughtful dialogues that cut through the noise, offering clarity on the topics that matter most for building a resilient and fulfilling future.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Looking Forward Our Way
Podcast Episodes
The Impact of MORPC's Mobility Plan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:14
In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson sit down with guest Emma Strange, the mobility coordinator for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). The episode covers M…
Inside Otterbein's Lifelong Learning Community Program [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:35
In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," the focus is on the opportunities for lifelong learning in Central Ohio and the specific Lifelong Learning Community (LLC) program at Otterbein University. Hosts Carol Ventre…
Mastering Business Turnarounds: Strategies from Darlene Ziebell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:53
On this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson welcome expert Darlene Ziebell to share her strategies for turning around failing businesses and to dive into the challenges small bus…
The Ohio State University's Gerontology and Geriatrics Initiatives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:44
In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson welcome Jennifer Bechtel, the program manager for geriatrics and gerontology at Ohio State University's College of Medicine. The discu…
Own Your Career, with Expert Guest Sharon Hamersley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:05
In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson are joined by expert guest Sharon Hamersley to discuss the crucial topic of career ownership within the job market. As a local expert…
Ohio's Workforce Evolution and Opportunities Ahead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:58
Looking Forward Our Way 99 Ohio's Workforce Evolution and Opportunities Ahead In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson welcome Kelly Fuller, Vice President of Talent and Workf…
Signal Ohio is Bridging News Deserts and Fueling Civic Empowerment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:28
Looking Forward Our Way 98 Signal Ohio is Bridging News Deserts and Fueling Civic Empowerment In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson welcome Rita McNeil Danish, the CEO of S…
New Year Job Search Tips from HR Experts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:18
In the podcast episode "New Year Job Search Tips," Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson, along with expert guests Marilyn Bury-Rice, Sharon Hamersley, Rebecca Heslep, Jill Kulman, Darlene Ziebell, and Kelly Fuller, provide…
New Year New Things to Come [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:53
Welcome to "Looking Forward Our Way," where we bring you the latest insights and expert advice on issues relevant to those 50 and older in Central Ohio and beyond. As we celebrate our 4th year of podcasting, we reflect o…