Driving is something that many of us probably take for granted. Our ability to drive gets us where we need to go. In many cases, it’s a necessity unless you live in a big-city. In the Bradenton/Sarasota area, the ability to drive is a mandatory part of our daily routine for many of us.
However, as we get older, driving is something we may no longer be able to do, at least not safely. As our cognitive ability and reaction time decline, that can affect our driving.
Research released in August from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 83% of older drivers report never speaking to a family member or physician about their safe driving ability. Among the 15% of families who do have the conversation, it’s been after a crash or traffic infraction.
Because of their fragility, older drivers have a greater risk for death and injury when involved in a crash, the AAA Foundation reports. In 2016 alone, there were more than 200,000 drivers age 65 and older hurt in a traffic accident; another 3,500 were killed. Because seniors are living longer, AAA recommends talking with older family members about driving safety and to plan for a “driving retirement” at the time that a loved one starts to plan for retirement for work.
“This research shows that older drivers can be hesitant to initiate conversations about their driving capabilities, so it is important that families encourage them to talk early and often about their future behind the wheel,” said Dr. David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation of Traffic Safety in a press release. “With early discussion and proper planning, elderly drivers may extend their time on the road.”
The right time to recommend for a “driving retirement” will vary greatly and is individual. However, plan to discuss the issue before there’s a crash or other driving problem.
Here are some tips from the AAA Foundation on how to talk to an older relative about a “driving retirement”:
- Start early and talk often. Stay positive and talk about ways to keep them safe when driving. Discuss other forms of transportation that are available.
- Don’t jump to conclusions about an older driver’s skills or abilities.
- Speak one-on-one. There’s no need to involve the whole family, which could spark feelings of anger or embarrassment.
- Focus on the facts. “Stick to information you know, like a medical condition or medication regimen that might make driving unsafe. Do not accuse an older driver of being unsafe or assume that driving should be stopped altogether,” the AAA recommended.
- Plan together: Allow the older driver to play an active role in developing the plan for their driving retirement.
- Keep them on the road as long as possible.That’s because seniors who stop driving can be more prone to depression or have a greater likelihood of entering a long-term care facility, the AAA cautioned. While you do want them to stop driving when it’s unsafe, you also want to keep them driving if it’s feasible. The cognitive skills needed when driving can keep the mind active—again, if it’s safe.
Call Secure Aging to Find Out How We Can Help Seniors With Financial Management
At Secure Aging in Bradenton, wetransform the weight of the world into a sigh of relief for our senior clients and their concerned family members. The mission of Secure Aging is to protect and preserve our client’s independence and dignity through careful and thoughtful financial and care management. As our clients age, it is their desire to remain independent and age with dignity. Our services protect our clients from talented con artists looking to exploit and deplete the financial resources of our vulnerable seniors. Secure Aging helps families in Manatee County and Sarasota County and in and around the communities of Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Ellenton, Holmes Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Myakka City, Palmetto, Parrish, and Sarasota. Call us at 941-761-9338, or visit us online at www.secureaging.com.
