Age and Driving

How does age affect driving?

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Driving is often a vital part of independence, especially as we age. While many older adults can continue to drive safely if they adapt, factors such as decreased vision, slower reflexes and health problems can affect driving ability.

Aging can cause:

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• Reduced strength, coordination and flexibilitywhich may have an impact on:some text
  • Turn your head to check for blind spots.
  • Move your foot between the accelerator and brake.
  • Directing quickly or reacting to sudden changes.
• Slower reaction times and difficulty dividing attention among several activities.

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These changes do not mean that you should stop driving immediately, but it is essential to recognize potential risks and explore alternatives when necessary.

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Safety tips for older drivers

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You can continue to drive safely

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• Modify your car: Adjust seats, mirrors and controls for greater comfort and visibility.
• Change your habits: Avoid driving at night or during peak traffic hours if you find it unsafe.
• Address physical health issues: Exercises to improve flexibility and strength can help maintain driving ability.

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Unsafe Driving Warning Signs

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Pay attention to these signs, which may indicate unsafe driving:

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• Frequent "scuffs" or unexplained dents and scratches on the car.
• Increase in traffic fines or warnings.
• Problems with basic driving skills, e.g., text
  • Abrupt lane changes.
  • Do not use turn signals or leave them on.
  • To deviate to other lanes.
• Vision problems, such as difficulty seeing signs or traffic lights.
• Hearing problems, such as not hearing emergency sirens.
• Memory lapses, such as skipping known exits or getting lost.
• Reflex problems, such as confusing pedals or delayed braking.

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If you need to stop driving

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stopping driving can be challenging, but it can offer unexpected benefits:

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• Economic savings: Redirect car ownership costs to alternative transportation options, such as cabs, ridesharing services or public transportation.
• Improves health: Walking more can increase physical and mental well-being.
• Expanding social connections: Accepting rides or using ridesharing can help you stay engaged.

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Alternative transportation options

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• Public transportation: Buses, trains or specific community transportation services for the elderly.
  
• Ridesharing: Apps like Uber and Lyft offer convenient, on-demand rides.
• Walking or biking: When feasible, these options improve health while reducing stress.
• Relocation: If you live in an isolated area, consider moving to a place with better transportation options.

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Talking to an older adult about driving

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Discussing driving safety with an older adult can be tricky. Keep these tips in mind:

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1. Be respectful: Recognize the importance of driving as a symbol of independence.
2. Use concrete examples: Focus on observed behaviors, such as "You seem to have trouble turning your head," rather than generalizations.
3. Seek support: Include other family members or professionals, such as physicians, to reinforce your concerns.
4. Offer alternatives: Help find transportation options or offer personal assistance with travel.
5. Ease the transition: Suggest limiting driving to specific conditions (e.g., daytime, short distances) before stopping driving altogether.

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Maintaining independence without driving

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Giving up driving does not mean losing independence. Exploring alternatives and remaining

active in the community, older adults can maintain a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle without the stress of driving.

If you or a loved one is concerned about driving safety, schedule a consultation with Las Mercedes Medical Centers to discuss health and mobility options.

‍Source: HelpGuide.org