As we age, maintaining our independence becomes increasingly important, and one aspect of that independence is the ability to stay mobile. For many older adults, a vehicle is a way to get around and a sign of their independence, enabling them to maintain their social and community activities. This is an essential factor in maintaining their quality of life. However, aging may bring about changes in vision, reaction time, and overall health, making it critical to adopt safe driving practices and consider alternate forms of transportation.
How to determine if you’re fit to get behind the wheel
Often, warning signs indicate unsafe driving habits, including age-related health conditions and other factors affecting your ability to drive safely. It’s essential to plan for a time when you can no longer drive and look at alternate options for transportation. If driving is no longer an option, older adults should look to alternative transportation methods such as public transit, rideshare programs, or volunteer groups that offer free rides to older adults. By doing so, they’ll continue to stay mobile and in a safer manner.
Strategies to make driving safer
Automotive technologies are constantly evolving and can help older adults drive more safely. By working with an Occupational Therapist, people can have their vehicle adapted to meet their specific needs and receive training on the optimal and safe use of new technologies in their vehicle. Some training courses can improve road safety knowledge, better assess actual abilities, and increase performance on the road for older drivers.
When it comes to driving, it is not your age that determines your abilities but your health. Driving enables people to remain connected to their communities, maintain social ties, and access needed services, particularly in rural areas lacking public transit. Assisting older adults in staying safe on the road can help maintain their independence by driving as long as (safely) possible.
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