POSITIVELY 50+

Positively 50+: One ‘smart driver’ at a time, local volunteer among best in the nation

Sep 19, 2024, 1:14 PM

SALT LAKE CITY — Every year, the American Association of Retired Persons in Utah honors a local volunteer who embodies the spirit of service. And we want to introduce you to him in this Positively 50+ report.

Driving in Utah is tough. Some surveys suggest we’re the worst in the country. But whether or not that’s actually the case, we do know that getting older makes it that much harder for all of us to get behind the wheel safely.

“We’re aging much better than our parents did, and so we need to keep active, keep up with changes, keep current with what’s going on,” Eric Wollesen, chief trainer and data manager with AARP driver safety, said.

Wollesen has taught a lot of courses on driver safety through AARP. He knows his stuff. So when he started sharing numbers like 2,080 students taught, 295 total classes, 58 last year alone, you know he had to be talking about something or someone special.

“Well it seems like to be like… wow… you don’t think about it at the time you’re doing it.”

Lloyd Blackburn, the Andrus Award for Community Service winner, is as shocked as anyone that his pace for teaching others over the last decade-plus has landed him at #2 in the country among AARP’s active instructors as far as number of courses taught.

“I’m really pleased to be able to do this because it’s been a major factor for me to do something in my retirement,” Blackburn told KSL TV.

Blackburn said he wants people to keep driving as long as they can. So he’s using his professional know-how from a long career as an aerial cartographer – yes, someone who literally charted the way for others to follow – to help senior drivers see down the road.

“I keep telling them there’s no such thing as a stupid question just the one that’s not been asked,” Blackburn said.

So we asked, what’s it take to be like Blackburn?

“We’ve got a lot of people who are sort of interested, but we’ve just got to get them into the training — he’s got to be a great example – absolutely,” Paulette Welch, AARP State Coordinator for the program, said.

And Blackburn is that great example of selflessness that all starts with taking the first step.

“Our volunteers are very precious because they give up some of their time, and some of their travels, and some of their retirement to teach the course to people in their communities,” Wollesen said.

This year, for 2024, volunteer Lloyd Blackburn is the AARP ‘Andrus Award for Community Service’ recipient.

“It’s really a phenomenal thing to know I’m getting through to people,” Blackburn said.

For more information, visit AARP.org, and the AARP Utah pages on Facebook and X.

KSL 5 TV Live

Positively 50+

Fitness class at the 10th East Senior Center in Salt Lake City. (KSL TV)...

Tamara Vaifanua

Positively 50+: Easing back into fitness for the new year

If you don’t make New Year’s resolutions, there’s one healthy change you should consider in 2025. Today’s Positively 50+ looks at some ways you can get moving at your own pace.

17 days ago

Volunteers with AARP Utah prepare Christmas cards and gift packages for senior citizens who may be ...

Tamara Vaifanua

AARP Utah volunteers brightening the holidays for homebound seniors

Seniors celebrating the holidays solo may find it tough to experience good tidings of joy. That's where Utah AARP volunteers come in.

2 months ago

National Family Caregivers Month is a chance to recognize and honor selfless individuals who assist...

Emma Benson

Positively 50+: Recognizing family caregivers

One in five Utahns are unpaid caregivers for a family member or friend. National Family Caregivers Month is a chance to recognize and honor these selfless individuals who assist others.

3 months ago

FILE - "I Voted Early" stickers sit in a bucket by the ballot box at the City of Minneapolis early ...

Dan Spindle

Positively 50+: AARP preparing Utahns to vote

Every year during the first week of November, as a country we vote, and every four years we choose a candidate to take up residence at the White House.

4 months ago

In 2024, volunteer Lloyd Blackburn is the AARP 'Andrus Award for Community Service' recipient....

Dan Spindle

Positively 50+: One ‘smart driver’ at a time, local volunteer among best in the nation

Every year, the American Association of Retired Persons in Utah honors a local volunteer who embodies the spirit of service. And we want to introduce you to him in this Positively 50+ report.

5 months ago

Salt Lake County's senior center teaches Tai Chi classes to help build strength and flexibility, wh...

Dan Spindle

Positively 50+: Tai Chi builds inner and outer strength, fall prevention

As we age, it's easier to lose our balance, risking falls. In fact, 30% of all American adults over 65 fall every year. Salt Lake County has a program that might just help you prevent those kinds of accidents.

6 months ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Positively 50+: One ‘smart driver’ at a time, local volunteer among best in the nation