The document discusses key factors related to aging and driving safety. It notes that giving up driving independence can lead to isolation for older adults due to inability to participate in volunteer or work roles or spend time with family and friends. However, many older adults remain safe and excellent drivers. The document then outlines various age-related changes that can impact driving abilities like vision, hearing, reaction time and physical strength. It provides tools and resources for older adults and their families to assess driving skills, learn how to improve abilities, consider alternative transportation options and have important conversations about safety.

1. Making Informed Decisions that
Drive Independence and Safety
A recent article published in Gerontology notes that:
• The greatest impact of “giving up the keys” for older adults is the inability to pursue key
roles such as volunteerism and work.
• Lack of mobility can also cause isolation for older adults due to the inability to spend
time with family and friends.
• Lost in most discussions related to aging and driving is the fact that many older adults
are excellent drivers.
Many older adults are safe
& excellent drivers, however
aging can cause changes in:
Learn how aging
can affect driving
HEARING
ATTENTION
AND REACTION
TIME
COORDINATION
JUDGEMENT
MEMORY
PHYSICAL
STRENGTH
EMOTIONS
(ANXIETY)
VISION
REFLEXES
TOOL:
http://bit.ly/1bWGxse
If you or a family member are
concerned about safe driving,
consider a driving assessment.
Visit: http://1.usa.gov/1dqabTI
Learn about
driving
assessments
Improve your skills:
AARP Driver Safety
Online Course:
• Online or In-Person
Courses
http://bit.ly/1coJuN0
• Driving Simulators
TOOL:
http://bit.ly/1e5L3q4
Make informed driving decisions
with your Care Team
• Primary Care Provider
• Occupational Therapist
• Social Worker
• Driving Testing Center
• Counselor/Psychologist
• Area Agency on Aging
• Family/Friends
TOOL:
http://bit.ly/1gpBqTm
Consider adaptive equipment for your car
• Low-e ffort steering
• Ribbo n attached to seatbelt
• Hand controlled breaks
• Navigation system
• Swing-out seat
• Swivel Seat Cushion
s
• Ba c
k• Ext e up camera
ns i o ns
w h e e l)
(Key, f
rror, steering
oot p edal, mi
car-fit.org
TOOL:
http://bit.ly/1d8e3s4
Consider other forms
of transportation:
ADVOCATE ST.
• Public transportation • Grocery stores that deliver
• Family or friends
• Community shuttle buses
• Walking
• Trips with places of worship
TOOL:
http://bit.ly/1coMx82
For Family Caregivers and Friends:
Talking with your loved one
about driving can be difficult.
Use the tool below to:
• Prepare for your discussion
• Respond to your loved one’s needs
• Get support for yourself
TOOL:
http://bit.ly/1aVuCoo
For Healthcare Providers:
Use the tool below to get more immersed
in best practice guidelines for:
• Assessing older adult driving skills
• Educating older adults and their families
about adaptive approaches
• Informing older adults and families about
alternate transportation options
TOOL:
http://bit.ly/1f7xQcH
© 2013 Griswold International, LLC
Source: http://gerontologist.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2013/05/06/geront.gnt037.abstract
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