The Professional Geriatric Care Manager’s Blog

Helping Older Drivers

I want to share an article I read in the July 30th edition of the Bergen Record written by Karen Rouse with you.  It is very informative and I found some interesting facts and tips in it.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Did you know AAA offers resources specifically for aging drivers and the challenges they may face?  The transition from an independent driver to passenger who must depend on others to get around can be painful for many aging motorists.

The AAA New Jersey Automobile Club hopes to make it easier for mature drivers to know not only when it’s time to make that transition, but how to do it better.  The organization recently announced the launch of www.AAASeniors.com a web site that addresses such challenges.  The number of drivers 65 or older in the United States is estimated to grow to 30 million – about one in four drivers – by 2030 according to AAA.

“Our research found that many children of older drivers are unaware of the resources available to help them effectively address the issues of safety and mobility of their aging parents,” says Michelle Mount, director of public affairs for AAA New Jersey.

“People are remaining active and living longer than ever before.  The driver safety tools and resources found on AAASeniors.com are designed to keep seniors safe and mobile for as long as possible”

The site features resources on senior mobility, how aging affects ones ability to drive safely and how to have a conversation with older drivers about whether they should continue driving and how to choose a vehicle.  It also helps people assess whether an older family member or friend who is having driving problems by looking at the following signs:

• Does the driver have difficulty working the pedals – a signal of waning strength?
• Does the driver have difficulty merging on freeways or turning onto busy streets – an indication of visual problems?
• When merging, changing lanes or backing up, does the driver rely only on the mirrors rather than turning fully to check for blind spots over his or her shoulder?  That may indicate a stiff neck.

For these and other assessment tools check AAASeniors.com.

I checked out the site and as a care manager I found it to be a very useful tool for adult children who are concerned about their loved-one’s continued ability to drive.  It provides useful information to help extend their time behind the wheel safely.

Thank you Karen for a providing us with the information regarding this new web site and resource for adult children caregivers!