Seminar Offers Tips for Talking with Older Drivers

A new AARP workshop has launched 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.

See Also: How to approach someone with failing driving skills and persuade them to limit driving

The free seminar entitled We Need to Talk was 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.  Workshops are slated for Morrisville and Burlington this May (see below).

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.

During the We Need to Talk seminar, a trained AARP volunteer facilitator teaches participants how to:

• Better understand the psychological and social impact of limiting or stopping driving
  
• Recognize the warning signs indicating an older driver may need to limit or stop driving
  
• Identify opportunities to hold “family conversations”
  
• Help meet transportation needs if driving is limited
  

Upcoming workshops are scheduled at the AARP office in Burlington on May 17 at 10 - 12 am and at Copley Hospital in Morrisville on May 21 at 9 – 11 am. Call 802-888-3394 or 802-483-3665 for more information.