We Need to Talk Seminar Offers Tips for Talking with Older Drivers

Volunteers from the AARP Driver Safety have launched a program that helps family caregivers and friends start successful conversations with their loved ones about remaining active and participating in the community when it is time to limit or stop driving.

The free seminar entitled We Need to Talk  is a program developed by AARP based on information created jointly by The Hartford and the MIT AgeLab. The AARP Driver Safety Program is offering the free seminar to the public to better meet the growing needs of adults who are caring for aging parents and are concerned about making a smooth transition for the older person from driving to not driving.

By 2030, one in four drivers will be age 65 and older. More than 30 million older drivers will be on our roads. Their ability to remain safe on the road and mobile in their community can be compromised by changes in their health. The We Need to Talk seminar is designed to assist family and friends to have successful conversations about how an older person can stay mobile when it is time to limit or stop driving.

“Learning when and how to hold productive conversations about this important and sensitive issue of driving not only can ease tensions within families and among friends, but also can ensure the older person has access to mobility options that keep the person participating in the life of their community,” said Greg Marchildon, AARP state director. “Safety for the driver and other drivers are critical to this decision.”

Read about the warnings signs, along with some online resources to help you get started.

Program leaders are looking for sites around Vermont to hold workshops. If you have a local group, club, organization, company or church that might be willing to provide meeting space please let us know!

Call 802-748-4870 or 802-888-3394 for more information.
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