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Signs your older family members should no longer be driving
Driving is a necessity for most elderly people. Asking them to stop driving due to safety concerns and age-related issues may feel like taking away their freedom.
Mental deterioration is a common age-related issue, but luckily scientists have found a visual test that can predict dementia years before diagnosis. But, compromised cognition impairs your loved one’s ability to function normally. If you’re wondering if it’s time for you or your aged friend or family member to give up driving, the National Institute of Aging has all the answers.
Should old people give up driving?
NIA says old people don’t have to stop driving only because they are aged. They can continue to lead a normal life as long as they don’t suffer from any mental or physical health condition.
In fact, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help them function better and go about their lives without the assistance of others.
“Physical and cognitive changes can occur with age that may affect a persons ability to drive. These may include slower reactions, diminished vision or hearing, and reduced strength or mobility,” NIA notes.
However, not everyone experiences the same changes, so it’s safe for an average healthy elderly person to drive. But aging is inevitable and there comes a time when we are too old to drive, at much later years of life. What do you do then? And how do we know we’re no longer safe behind the wheel?
Signs you can no longer drive
Whether it’s due to age-related problems, safety concerns, or other reasons that make you question your ability to drive, these are the signs you should stop, according to NIA.
- Multiple vehicle crashes, near misses, or new dents or scrapes on the car.
- Two or more traffic tickets or warnings within the last two years.
- Increases in car insurance premiums because of driving issues.
- Comments from neighbors or friends about erratic, unsafe, or aggressive driving.
- Anxiety about driving at night.
- Health issues that might affect driving, include problems with vision, hearing, and movement.
- Complaints about the speed, sudden lane changes, or actions of other drivers.
- Recommendations from a doctor to modify driving habits or quit driving entirely.
If you or your loved ones experience any of the above, speak with your doctor, and family members or friends. This helps decide if you have to consider other ways to commute. ‘
Several cities and communities offer free transportation for old people and cab services can be availed for a cheaper cost. There are carpool services to commute, or they can use apps to order groceries or anything they need when they can’t drive themselves around.
