How to Help Seniors Retire From Driving
Think back to the time when you earned your driver’s license and felt immense independence in driving wherever you wanted to go. That feeling of mobility can be challenging for seniors to give up, especially if they’re adamant about remaining independent as they age in place. However, having an open, honest, and understanding conversation about your aging loved one’s driving habits can be the first step in helping them retire their keys.
How to Help Seniors Retire From Driving
AAA estimates that over 70 million people will be 65 or older by 2030, and about 85 to 90 percent will still be licensed to drive. If you’re concerned about your aging loved one getting behind the wheel, use the following tips to work toward retiring from driving altogether:
- Find a good time to broach the subject, and do so with compassion and love.
- Consider who might be best to address driving concerns with your aging loved one, whether it’s a spouse, family member, friend, physician, or other trusted person in their lives.
- Suggest a driving test, preferably one performed by a neutral party.
- Involve their physician in the discussion by requesting a professional evaluation based on physical health, medications, and any other related factors.
- Incorporate transportation alternatives as a temporary solution (that could also become permanent).
- Know when it’s time to prioritize safety over independence, especially if your aging loved one’s been in an accident, had a close call, received a ticket, or had any other driving mishaps.
The discussion of retiring from driving can be challenging for some seniors. Ultimately, it may take time for them to understand the risks involved and your compassion for their safety and well-being.
Additional Senior Driving Resources
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates nearly 8,000 older drivers died in traffic-related accidents in 2022. Seniors can help reduce those numbers by using the following resources to evaluate and adjust their driving to improve the safety of everyone on the road:
- Evaluate your driving abilities with AAA’s interactive self-rating tool for drivers 65 and older.
- The National Safety Council’s Defensive Driving for Mature Drivers course teaches older adults how to maneuver through traffic and can even get drivers a discount on their car insurance premiums.
- AAA also offers RoadWise™, a senior defensive driving program that helps older drivers adjust to physical changes that occur as we age.
Sometimes, the best compromise in talking to seniors about driving can be reducing the number of times seniors get behind the wheel or the distances they drive. Visiting Angels caregivers can also provide transportation resources to help seniors get where they want to go without having to rely on working family members or loved ones.
Transportation Services at Visiting Angels of Toms River
The ability to drive to numerous destinations at a moment’s notice can help seniors maintain independence as they age in place. Visiting Angels caregivers can help support safe driving habits or even take over transportation responsibilities. Below are additional ways Visiting Angels of Toms River assists seniors in maintaining a healthy and safe lifestyle:
- Health Conditions That Can be Detected During Routine Eye Exams
- How to Help an Elderly Loved One Transfer Safely
- Transportation Resources Keeping Non-Driving Seniors on the Road
Contact your local Visiting Angels Toms River agency for a free consultation. We’re happy to help you navigate situations like these to ensure the happiness and safety of your aging loved one.