50+ Lifestyles

When is it Time to Give Up Driving?

By Mike Mathews
Milestones Area Agency on Aging

One of the harshest realities associated with aging is the loss of mobility and in some cases, freedoms. Having to make age-related lifestyle changes can be disheartening, stressful, and at times inconvenient.

One such activity that many seniors find themselves having to give up is driving. Many of us spend a vast majority of our lives behind the wheel of vehicles, as we commute to work, run errands for our families, embark out on a night of entertainment or even long-distance travel. However, there may come a time in which we must consider, not only our safety, but the safety of our passengers and other motorists.

There is no set age when anyone should stop driving. It is ultimately up to the individual or loved ones to assess their current abilities and make an educated decision.

Two of the most important factors to consider when considering whether or not to continue driving are mental and physical health.  Factors such as vision, hearing, reflexes, and physical coordination are prime among issues which can hinder an aging driver from being efficient and alert when heading out onto the road.

Along with these factors, are more specific ailments which can create complications while attempting to drive. These include conditions such as glaucoma, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, cataracts, arthritis, seizures, diabetes and other chronic issues.  Drivers who may be taking medications to correct any of these illnesses may be able to control symptoms and behaviors associated with their specific ailment. However, be mindful that some medications can cause side effects which create new risk factors when paired with driving. It is important to know exactly what medications an aging driver may be taking and to understand fully if they are recommended to avoid driving while on these medications.

Many older adults exhibit warning signs that driving is no longer safe. You may have already noticed some of these, and there may be others you should keep an eye out for.

• Failure to yield or stop when prompted by signs or traffic lights
• Inability to recognize the right of way
• Inability to keep track of speed limits
• Forgetting to signal when turning or switching lanes
• Routinely becoming lost (especially in familiar areas)
• Inconsistent acceleration (erratic control of speeds)
• Challenges with recognizing distance between vehicles and objects
• Difficulty merging and changing lanes
• Frequent “near-misses” in which accidents almost occurred
• Road rage, anxiety and stress

Ultimately, safety is the most important consideration. Though it may be difficult to accept, an unsafe driver, no matter their age, can be a threat to themselves and others. An honest assessment of your driving abilities should ultimately be the determining factor in whether or not to continue to drive.

It is, however, important to remember that giving up driving does not equate to giving up one’s independence.  There are a variety of transportation options in most communities that make continued mobility possible. Newer innovations such as online grocery ordering make the transition to being a non-driver even easier.  If you do stop driving, it is often a good idea to keep your vehicle for a while. You might feel better just knowing it’s there. And it may be easier to ask others for help if you can offer the use of your car.   

While the decision to turn over the keys may be one of the tougher decisions of aging, it can be a decision to keep you safe and healthy for years to come.

Milestones provides evidence-based programming for healthy aging. Evidence-based programs offer proven strategies to promote health, better manage and possibly even prevent disease among older adults, and reduce the risk of falling. With an emphasis on self-management education and physical activity, these programs are effective, convenient, affordable options for helping people improve the quality of their lives. In some cases, evidence-based community wellness and prevention programs can reduce healthcare costs for beneficiaries.