Everyone is reluctant to accept that ageing can affect their ability to drive safely. Experts agree that driving ability begins to decline around 55 years of age, even though not all drivers are alike.
Kathleen Marvaso (AAA’s vice president for Public Affairs) stated that, as the population age, senior-driver safety becomes a more important and challenging topic for many families. “Many adult children of senior drivers are looking for help navigating this new and sometimes challenging road,”She said. “Our research shows that one of the biggest questions is how to begin the conversation.”
AAASeniors.com is AAA’s Web site for senior mobility and safety. It offers the following advice:
* Plan ahead. It is never too late to start the conversation. You can plan ahead and make gradual adjustments as your senior friend ages. Even a few small adjustments can make a senior’s driving safer.
* Approach the conversation with safety as the main objective. AAA suggests that seniors drivers should be prepared for resistance, as driving is a major part of independence. You can help by having concrete examples and facts available. It may also be helpful to speak with a caring tone.
* Talk about the issue during discussions about retirement. Be as careful with transportation as you are with finances and other retirement-related decision making. Future transportation requirements could impact other retirement decisions like choosing a retirement residence. Consider convenience to public transport or the availability of on-site transportation as important considerations.
“At AAA, we want to foster a society where older adults can remain confident and independent and live to their full potential,”Marvaso said. “AAASeniors.com gives seniors and their families the tools necessary to create an action plan to help manage the inevitable consequences of aging, and to help seniors drive for as long as safely possible — and remain mobile thereafter.”
AAASeniors.com offers information on aging and safe driving as well as tips and tricks for seniors. It also has a section for expert advice, driving skills assessment tools, tips and tricks for choosing safer cars, brochures and fact sheets. They also provide referrals to driver-improvement classes and community-based programs.
