Is It Safe To Let Elderly Drive?


In the United States, people are starting to live longer. This is partially due to the lifestyle changes that have been trending across the country. Within the next 20 years, the number of retirees will increase, and the number of retirement communities will grow at an exponential rate. Older adults are trying to maintain the same quality of life that they experienced when they were younger. They still want to do some of the same things as driving. More people over the age of 60 are involved in vehicle accidents than ever before. Many people are at risk when an older adult is behind the wheel.

Changes In Older Adults That May Prevent Safe Driving

As a person ages, many things change. One very important change that could drastically affect driving is eyesight. Older adults have vision problems that come with aging. The eyes will weaken, or the senior will have blurred vision that may be helped with glasses. When the vision starts to get noticeably worse the senior will usually lose their confidence, and start to drive slower, but not cautiously. They will have to focus more to read road signs, and may not give full attention to where they are driving, and the way that they are driving. Sometimes, the seniors will stop driving on their own, but many older adults feel that they would be giving up their independence if they stopped driving.

Some Illnesses Make It Difficult For An Older Person To Drive Safely

Older adults are prone to chronic illnesses that could impair their judgment or cause symptoms that would make driving unsafe. A diabetic with uncontrolled blood sugar could experience a drop in sugar which could cause shaking, sweating, and weakness. This could have detrimental results if the senior is driving. Joint and muscle issues could have an effect on reflexes, and the ability to respond quickly. The decreased mobility and stiffness could pose a definite danger for the elderly driver and others in their path. The response time for a senior will be dangerous if someone ahead of them stops suddenly or if someone pulls out in front of them.

When Should An Older Adult Stop Driving

There are many signs that will indicate when a senior should give up driving. Many older adults will have some near misses that will frighten them. Some older adults will often get lost when they feel that they know the area so well. They will hit curbs and some mailboxes, but will not know where the dents came from on the car. An older adult should stop driving when the street and traffic signs get difficult to read. Older adults are also easily distracted when driving.

In the near future, there will be more senior adults than today, and many of them will still have driver's licenses. It is the responsibility of the family and Sarasota Home Care to encourage the senior to stop driving when certain danger signs and unsafe warnings are noted.


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