We Need to Talk
By: AARP Driver Safety Program | Source: AARP.org | Date Posted: April 2008
Have you had the talk with your parents yet? You know the one, the talk you have been dreading for so long? You are worried about how they will take the news; they may be angry, sad or frustrated. They may even tell you everything is fine, but you know better. But, how do you do it? Do you just come right out and say it? Or do you drop hints? Should you wait until your parents bring it up? How do you deal with the emotional aspects?
How do you talk to your parents about retiring from driving?
Most people plan ahead for when they will retire from work. The think about where they will live, what they want to do with their time and how will they pay for it all. Planning for driving retirement is just as important for several reasons.
First, the facts: today, there are approximately 4.5 million non-drivers in the US today. By 2020, that number will rise to at least 6 million non drivers older that age 75, a 30 percent jump. Staying connected to our communities is a sign of successful aging and not being able to drive represents not only a loss of independence, but a loss of connection as well. Finally, many people live in areas where access to alternative means of transportation is limited or non-existent.
Knowing these facts, what is a son/daughter/niece/nephew, grandchild, etc to do to help Mom and Dad prepare for driving retirement?
A good first step is to take AARP’s We Need to Talk seminar. This seminar was developed based on the ongoing research into aging and driving done by The Hartford and MIT AgeLab. The seminar gives practical tips and guidance on how to recognize the warning signs and develop a plan to begin talking about driving retirement. Seminar participants are also provided with information on local alternative transportation resources to help Mom and Dad stay connected and remain independent even after driving is no longer a safe option.
The We Need to Talk seminar is not available in all states. To find out more information, please contact Susan Hardenburgh at shardenburgh@aarp.org or 202-434-6008.
How do you talk to your parents about retiring from driving?
Most people plan ahead for when they will retire from work. The think about where they will live, what they want to do with their time and how will they pay for it all. Planning for driving retirement is just as important for several reasons.
First, the facts: today, there are approximately 4.5 million non-drivers in the US today. By 2020, that number will rise to at least 6 million non drivers older that age 75, a 30 percent jump. Staying connected to our communities is a sign of successful aging and not being able to drive represents not only a loss of independence, but a loss of connection as well. Finally, many people live in areas where access to alternative means of transportation is limited or non-existent.
Knowing these facts, what is a son/daughter/niece/nephew, grandchild, etc to do to help Mom and Dad prepare for driving retirement?
A good first step is to take AARP’s We Need to Talk seminar. This seminar was developed based on the ongoing research into aging and driving done by The Hartford and MIT AgeLab. The seminar gives practical tips and guidance on how to recognize the warning signs and develop a plan to begin talking about driving retirement. Seminar participants are also provided with information on local alternative transportation resources to help Mom and Dad stay connected and remain independent even after driving is no longer a safe option.
The We Need to Talk seminar is not available in all states. To find out more information, please contact Susan Hardenburgh at shardenburgh@aarp.org or 202-434-6008.
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