Mary G., 72, was the primary caretaker and chauffeur for her 78-year-old husband who suffered from declining vision and heart problems. Although Mary was in excellent physical and mental health, she started having small fender-benders on a fairly regular basis.
Mary's family soon noticed the dents and scratches on her car and suggested she have her reflexes tested. When the tests showed some decline in responses, they discussed how she might get along without a car. Mary and her husband decided to sell their suburban house and take an apartment in the city, which offered more public transportation options. It turned out to be a wise decision. Mary's family worked downtown and they even came to visit Mary and her husband more frequently.
"Giving up driving for a senior citizen is a major event, almost like when a person first gets a license," says Scott Spier, MD, chief of the Division of Psychiatry at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. It represents a loss of mobility, which leads to a sense that independence, competence, and well-being are compromised.
According to Barbara L. Spreitzer-Berent, gerontologist and president of Quest Learning Resources in Detroit, Michigan, senior citizens and their families can tell if an older person should start thinking about giving up his or her driver's license by answering the following questions:
Too many "yes" answers could mean an older person may not be able to handle the vehicle in an emergency situation. Experts also say it's not a good idea to rely solely on the state testing agency that tests drivers and issues driver's licenses. People who have reflex problems can squeak by and still pass the test.
To get a better idea of an older person's driving skills, rehabilitation centers and insurance companies offer tests that objectively rate driving ability. Moreover, some senior centers, hospitals, retirement communities, and civic organizations offer driver improvement programs for seniors who never really learned good motoring habits—but are perfectly capable of doing so.
Many family members rely on the older driver's doctor to let him or her know it might be time to think about giving up the car. The physician considers muscle strength, eye sight, reflexes and general overall health, along with questions about close calls in traffic.
"When a relative notices the senior's car is chronically bumped and dented, it may be a good time to gently inquire about his or her driving skills," Dr. Spier says. But the best way to approach the topic, according to Spreitzer-Berent, is tactfully.
Don't just blurt out: "You're 87 years old, Dad. You're just too old to drive anymore!"
Instead, try: "Dad, I'm a little worried. I noticed a lot of new dents and scratches on your car. What's been happening?" You may even find that Dad is relieved to talk about it.
If early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or dementia become evident, Dr. Spier suggests it may be kinder to hide the car keys or even disconnect the battery so the car can't start. Because these early symptoms are accompanied by a fair degree of frustration, hiding the keys might cause a tantrum or outburst, but it will pass quickly.
Buses, taxis, and vans operated by senior citizen centers, hospitals, municipal transportation systems, and retirement centers are very helpful. Many seniors also count on family and friends for rides. Dena S., a woman who stopped driving about two years ago has a standing "date" with her 25-year-old granddaughter.
"She picks me up on Saturday mornings and I have a list of errands that I need to do. We finish up around noon and I take her to lunch. It gives us an opportunity to catch up on family gossip, her life, and makes me feel young again."
For seniors on a fixed income, giving up the car is also cost effective. "When you add up all the costs associated with owning your own car, it is usually much more cost-effective to take a taxi," says Dr. Spier.
It may not be necessary to give up driving altogether. If poor vision becomes a problem, an older relative can plan to drive only during the day. If a senior motorist tires easily or gets disoriented in new places, he or she can concentrate on doing errands that are closer to home.
It is not true that all seniors should stop driving.
"Numerous national studies paint a more positive picture of mature drivers than many expect," says Spreitzer-Berent. "Reports show that mature motorists are not involved in a disproportionate number of car crashes."
And in fact, insurance rates reflect this fact. In most states, drivers under age 25 pay higher premiums than drivers over age 65.
Stress and fatigue may cause some fender-benders among older drivers. The Visiting Nurses Association of Westchester County has compiled the following exercises to relieve aches, pains, and tension. These can be done in a parked car.
RESOURCES:
AARP
http://www.aarp.org
.
The American Automobile Association
http://www.aaa.com
.
Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists
http://www.driver-ed.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Seniors Canada On-line
http://www.seniors.gc.ca/
Transport Canada
http://www.tc.gc.ca/en/menu.htm
References:
Drivers 55 plus: test your own performance, publication number 362. The American Automobile Association website. Available at: http://www.aaa.com .
The older driver skill assessment and rescue guide: creating mobility choices, document number D14957. AARP website. Available at: http://www.aarp.org .
Last reviewed January 2008 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.