According to Autoinsurance.com, there were over 51 million drivers aged 65 or older in 2022. That’s a lot of senior citizens on the road!
Although driving is nice for seniors who have been doing it their whole lives, there may come a point where your loved one needs to stop driving. But how do you know when that is?
Here are some of the key signs to look out for to evaluate driving ability, as well as what you can do to help your loved one.
Signs to Stop Driving
When is it time to hand over the car keys? Many different factors can influence senior driving safety. Here are just a few.
More Near-Misses
Everyone on the road has experienced a near-miss accident. Maybe you encounter a reckless driver, or you think you’re safe to turn when there is a car in your blind spot.
Your senior may experience more near-misses as they lose their ability to drive. Ask them if they’ve experienced anxiety while driving or if there have been events that scared them.
Near misses can easily evolve into hits if drivers aren’t careful. That is why it is important to evaluate what happened and make changes to your driving technique. Unfortunately, this may not be possible for elderly drivers.
Confusion From Road Signage
We have all been there: Sometimes you forget what a road sign means, especially if you do not see it very often on your regular commute.
However, keep an eye out to see if your senior can still interpret road signs that they see every day.
For instance, if there is a “Yield” sign close to home that they’ve always obeyed, and one day they do not yield, there may be an issue.
Getting Lost in Familiar Areas
Does your loved one find themselves getting lost on their familiar routes? Sometimes, drivers may take a wrong turn, but that should not happen often.
Ask your senior if you can ride along with them on one of their regular drives. Look to see if they are confident in their driving or if they seem confused.
Minor Accidents
Fender benders are certainly not uncommon in the driving world: Isaacs and Isaac, Personal Injury Lawyers, cite that the average person will have around three to four car accidents in their lifetime.
If your loved one tells you they’re getting into more accidents, you may need to start evaluating driving ability.
Keep an eye out for scratches and dents on their car that suddenly appear as well. Dings on your car are often the result of running into other vehicles.
Medication Side Effects
As your elderly loved one ages, they will probably start to take more medications. Bodily systems start to break down as the years pass, meaning they need more help from medicine to keep functioning.
Although these medications are mostly beneficial, they can come with some side effects. Many prescriptions warn users against operating heavy machinery, which includes driving.
The side effects can range from irritating to deadly. For example, dry eye can make it difficult to look at the road. Sleepiness can cause falling asleep at the wheel and driving into oncoming traffic.
Progression of Diseases
Some medical issues that arise during the golden years are too much to overcome for the sake of senior driving safety.
One of the most prevalent issues among older folks is dementia. Dementia is a result of plaques growing in the brain, impacting memory first, then eventually overall brain function.
Dementia patients will often find themselves struggling with driving as they lose their skills. If the symptoms are particularly bad, it may be time to hang up the keys and consider memory care.
Aging and mobility are also a factor. Issues such as arthritis can make it more difficult to efficiently move between pedals or shift gears.
How Can No Longer Driving Affect Your Loved One?
Remember: Even if it seems obvious to you that your loved one must give up driving, it can be a difficult transition for them. Here are some of the reasons why.
Loss of Independence
A car represents independence. You can hop in and go wherever you want, whenever you want. Losing that independence can be devastating for seniors, especially if they have been driving for decades.
Increased Loneliness and Isolation
The ability to drive signifies the ability to go see friends and participate in activities far away from home. Not having access to a car may lead to your senior staying in and isolating themselves from activities they used to love.
Reliance on Others
It can be hard to ask for a ride. Some seniors may feel like it is too much of a burden to seek help from others. Therefore, they may just opt to stay home instead of going out if they cannot drive themselves.
Help Navigate the Transition
Your loved one doesn’t have to be alone when they decide to give up driving. Be there for them as much as possible during this difficult life period.
Offer Transportation Resources
Offer to help your loved one with transportation alternatives. Make sure they know you’re available to give them rides wherever they need.
If your loved one resides in a senior living community, you can pick them up to run errands. You can also utilize rideshare services or public transportation for elder travel solutions.
Arrange Home Delivery
In the age of the internet, it is easier than ever to have essentials delivered. Work with your loved one to have essentials such as groceries brought straight to their doorstep.
Know When Your Loved One Should Stop Driving
Deciding the right time for your elderly loved one to stop driving is never easy. With this guide, you can navigate the process and help them preserve their dignity and quality of life.
For seniors who have aging and mobility issues, senior living might be a good option. At SummerHouse Park Provence, we offer spacious floor plans and a variety of exclusive amenities for our residents.
Ready for your loved one to make the transition into a senior living community? Reach out to us today for a tour of our community in Slidell, Louisiana.
