Families often worry about their loved ones driving as they age. Older adults are also concerned, and the decision to limit or give up driving is a difficult one for everyone involved. Families can help older drivers make safe driving decisions by focusing on their changing abilities and finding ways to keep them mobile.
Although accidents involving older drivers raise the issue of safe driving for older adults, statistics show that older drivers as a group are safe drivers. They demonstrate high seat belt use and get few citations for alcohol-related or moving violations. However, medical conditions, the use of medications, and reduced physical abilities can mean a greater individual risk of accidents and injuries.
Many older adults associate driving with independence, so driving retirement can be an emotional issue. Sensitive family conversations can make a difference. Although they might be uncomfortable, these conversations will help older adults make appropriate decisions, such as driving less, avoiding certain road conditions, or stopping driving altogether.
How Not Driving Affects Older Adults
Even if an older driver agrees that he needs to limit or stop driving, he will likely feel sad or depressed at the thought. He understands that this means leaving the house less often, becoming more dependent on others, and having a more limited social life. Discuss these concerns and develop strategies, such as using local transportation, carpooling, developing a schedule of family and friends who can be called upon to provide transportation, or paying someone to provide transportation if local transportation isn’t available. This is an opportunity to be creative as a family in finding ways to keep the older adult active and mobile when he can no longer drive himself.
Starting Conversations About Driving
Having conversations early about safe driving will help establish a pattern of honest discussion and allow the older adult time to consider his driving skills and what changes he might need to make. This also makes it easier when driving situations occur later that indicate changes need to be made.
To open the conversation, here are some ideas:
- Talk about health and safety first. Talk about driving in the context of other safety concerns and focus on keeping the older adult mobile in safe ways.
- Talk about how driving isn’t what it used to be. Talk about road conditions, especially the faster, heavier traffic that makes driving more stressful.
- Reference media articles. Ask, "Did you hear about the car accident in the news today?" Accident reports are an opportunity to explore older adults’ attitudes about unsafe drivers and who should help them decide when to retire from driving.
- Ask the older driver how he worked with his own parents when driving issues came up. Provide an opportunity to reveal personal feelings about driving and when families should intervene.
- Look for opportunities to discuss driving restrictions and the ability to drive defensively.
- Give positive support to decisions the older adult makes to modify his own driving. For example, don’t dismiss the older adult as a worrier if he is leaving a family gathering before dark. Be supportive of the decision to limit night driving.
- Be aware of sedative effects of new medication that could affect driving ability. Getting lost in a familiar place should trigger a doctor’s visit.
- Discuss economic topics associated with driving, such as the rising price of gas and oil, the expense of car maintenance (tires, tune-ups, insurance), registration and license fees, and the depreciation of car value. Present the idea that the older driver could use money spent on vehicle upkeep to hire a "chauffer.”
Before you ask an older family member to restrict driving or stop altogether, learn the warning signs of driving problems and observe him over time. If necessary, discuss your concerns with a doctor. Help the older adult find alternative transportation that works, and be supportive. It can be difficult to make the transition from driver to passenger.
Have conversations about safe driving early on, encourage future planning, and respect the older adult’s ability to make appropriate decisions for himself. Observe driving behavior. Knowing firsthand how the older family member drives will help families know if and when they need to intervene. Also keep in mind what driving represents to the older adult and find ways to help him replace this loss.
"Driving Decisions in Later Life" is a publication available through Oregon State Extension that may help address some concerns about older drivers.
