Transportation plays an important role in living well because it is so closely aligned to accessing services, recreational activities, and opportunities to socialize.
Many older adults can adjust to their changing physical abilities and are able to drive safely well into their 70's and 80's. For others, driving can become unsafe due to diminished ability to respond quickly and/or visual problems. In such cases, the decision to retire from driving often needs to be a family determination.
So how does one know when driving has, in fact, become unsafe?
A good place to start is by assessing the driver’s skills either by self-assessment, independent professional assessment, or both. Self-assessment tools include written quizes, the Central Plains Area Agency on Aging videotape Helping You Drive Safely Longer, and the American Automobile Association CD Roadwise Review and Senior Drivers. Independent professional assessment sources include driving schools, physicians, and hearing and/or vision specialists.
If your family member can safely continue driving, encourage yearly evaluation and even consideration of maintaining and improving driving skills through specialized programs, such as AARP’s 55 ALIVE driving skills program for mature drivers.
Should the assessment indicate that your family member can no longer safely continue driving, it is important to deal with this fact directly, despite the difficulty. Since driving is often seen as a symbol of independence, freedom, and control, expect some resistance to the idea of retiring from driving. Still, it is important to remember that driving is not a personal right but rather a public responsibility, as it involves risk to others. A good resource is Family Conversations with Older Drivers from the Hartford Financial Group. This is available at no charge from the Order Free Information section of the Take Charge website.
To start the conversation, prepare a list of medical, safety, and behavioral concerns related to driving a car or truck. Discuss these concerns with family members, along with the implications of possible accidents. Having a written recommendation from your relative's physician recommending retirement from driving is helpful, as is knowing what medications your family member is taking.
It is critical to identify transportation alternatives. This will allow the retired driver to maintain mobility and maximum independence. Some alternatives include:
Reducing the need for driving by arranging for deliveries or ordering/shopping online will also reduces the need for so many rides. Take into account that selling the car and not having to pay for gas, car maintenance, repairs, and insurance is saving money that can cover taxi rides and paying for alternative transportation services.
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