By 2030, more than 70 million Americans will be 65 or older and at least 90 percent of them will be licensed to drive. Nearly half of the nation’s older drivers worry about losing their freedom and mobility when it’s time to give up driving, according to a new survey by AAA.
If your elderly loved one is still licensed and driving, follow this checklist:
Check medications – They can impair driving by making seniors drowsier or more distracted than usual. Seniors should avoid driving for a few days once they begin a new medication, so they know how the drug affects them. Be sure they consult their physician and pharmacist before starting a new medication, to see if it will affect their ability to drive.
Have eyes checked – Eyes change with age. Seniors’ peripheral vision narrows, they are less sensitive to light and their eyes lose the ability to focus quickly. A 60-year-old driver requires 10 times as much light to see as a 19-year-old. Night driving often becomes difficult for a senior.
Be aware of sleep issues – 37 million older Americans suffer from frequent sleep problems. The drowsier behind the wheel, the slower the reflexes.
Reflex and awareness – This can be especially risky if getting behind the wheel of a car. Statistics reveal that older drivers are more likely than younger ones to be involved in multi-vehicle crashes, particularly at intersections. Editor’s note: In my experience, the cause of an intersection accident is often another and usually younger person not paying attention, running a red light while texting or talking on a handheld cell phone. Seniors are usually the accident victim—not the cause, in this case.
Check vehicle for signs of damage when he/she is not with you – This can be a good indicator about their ability to drive.
Driving tests can miss the onset of diseases like Alzheimer’s that affect judgment, understanding and memory which can cause accidents on the road. If it’s time to take the keys away, adult children should reassure their elderly parents they can still see friends and be involved in activities even if they can’t drive. For more information, visit http://www.seniorhelpers.com
Sources: Smart Motorist, American Automobile Association (AAA), AARP, National Safety Council.
