Your Aging Parents and Driving

Source: AARP.org | June 22, 2004

Your Aging Parents and Driving

Transportation can be a major challenge to an older person's ability to live independently. Some people remain good drivers into their nineties. Others face physical problems that can make driving unsafe.

While cities often have good public transportation, these systems may not meet the needs of older people. Public transportation routes and schedules are often designed to take people to work rather than to stores, medical appointments, and friends' homes. Taxis are a good option for older adults who no longer drive, can afford them, and reside in a major city. However, many older adults retire to rural or suburban communities and rely on family and friends for rides.

Transportation concerns can also be worrisome for adult children. Is Dad still driving safely? Are the fears that stopped Mom from driving justified? Can they live on their own if they don't drive?

Addressing Concerns About Driving and Transportation

Most Americans of all ages love their cars. Cars give us mobility and freedom, as well as a sense of safety, privacy, convenience, and comfort. In many communities, a car is essential because there are few or no alternative forms of transportation. However, some physical and other changes associated with aging can affect a person's ability to drive safely. For these reasons, safe driving is the major transportation issue most older Americans face.

Older parents and adult children often view driving issues differently. From the older person's point of view, driving is likely to be more than a practical issue. It is often linked to feelings of competence, independence, and being part of society. Adult children often wonder whether and when their parents should stop driving. Many parents resent having their driving ability questioned and don't believe there is a problem with older drivers. In fact, a common perception among older people is that younger drivers are a greater danger.

On the other hand, some older drivers worry excessively and without sufficient cause that they are no longer safe behind the wheel. By giving up or limiting their driving too soon, they can restrict their daily lives and become isolated unnecessarily.

Where does the truth lie? Arguments support both sides. Older drivers have a low frequency of accidents and fatalities overall, but a higher rate of accidents and fatalities per mile driven (second only to that of drivers age 16 to 24). Transportation experts believe that the low frequency of problems comes in part from a recognition by older drivers of their declining skills.

Older people avoid driving in high-risk situations, such as at night, during rush hour, in bad weather, or on high-speed roads. The slower driving that provokes many complaints from younger people may simply reflect people driving within their limits. However, sometimes it is legitimately dangerous. But, it is when drivers don't acknowledge difficulties with driving that they present the greater problem to themselves and to others.

In addition, age alone cannot predict fitness behind the wheel. Just as in younger people, driving skills vary enormously by individual. In general, these skills begin to decline at about age 55, but no scientific data support the need to reassess driving ability on the basis of age alone. However, it is also true that the poor eyesight, hearing loss, slower reaction times, and reduced muscle strength and flexibility that many older people experience can all affect driving ability.

When older people do decide to give up driving, other issues may arise. Some may have no one to ask for rides, with family far away and friends no longer driving either. Others may be reluctant to ask for help, not wanting to impose or seeing no way to repay the kindness. Instead they just stay home at a time when being involved with the community is more important than ever.