When should the elderly stop driving?

When should the elderly stop driving? The exact age at which someone should cease driving will depend on their specific situation. As people age, many things can occur that will affect their driving abilities, such as medical conditions and more. Many times, even when it seems obvious to family, giving up their license can represent a loss of freedom and independence. So the conversation shouldn’t be handled lightly.

Read more below to find out when is a car too old to drive or when it might be time to talk to a loved one about their driving and how to approach the subject in a compassionate manner.

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How does getting older affect driving?

As adults get older, there are many different factors that can affect their ability to drive. While some of these determinants are not typically a reason to stop driving immediately, they may eventually lead to unsafe driving and, therefore, should be monitored.

First, medical conditions are common. Some medical conditions can affect a person’s physical health, while others influence mental health. Either way, these physical and mental changes can affect driving skills such as agility or judgment.

In addition, vision changes can occur. There are changes in how much light you can absorb, how well your eyes focus, how colors are perceived, and how far you can see. For example, older drivers need more light to be able to see than younger drivers, so driving at night may become challenging. In addition, it may take longer for your eyes to focus or to see certain colors. Therefore, there may be a delayed reaction time for judging the distance between objects.

Changes can also occur to hearing. Hearing can gradually deteriorate without a person noticing, which can affect someone’s ability to hear horns, sirens, and more.

If you or your loved one has to take medications for any health complications, you should also ensure that they don’t affect driving or interact with other medications that could interfere with driving. Other factors that can influence your driving ability as you age include slower reflexes and stiff joints or muscles.

Read more: How old do you have to be to drive?

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When should the elderly stop driving?

It can sometimes be difficult to balance the need to allow your loved one’s freedom with their safety. Therefore, you should ensure that you don’t become too overly protective but are aware of any warning signs that it might be time to stop driving. First, let’s review the elderly driving laws by state in case you need to know about elderly driver’s license renewal.

Elderly Driving Laws by State

When is the time to stop driving? Because there are so many factors that determine a person’s ability to drive, there is no set age at which everybody should give up their license. However, drivers over 75 have a higher crash death rate than middle-aged drivers, and there are indicators as to when to stop driving. Therefore, driving at 80 years old and older may present a higher risk.

You may want to calmly ask your loved one if they have received any tickets or changes to their auto insurance rates. If their auto insurance rates have increased, this could indicate that they have received driving infractions, which could be a warning sign if there is no past history of driving issues.

You may also want to take a minute when your loved one is not around to check for any damage. If there are scratches or dents, you may want to carefully broach the subject with the driver. In addition, if your loved one seems reluctant or nervous to drive, it could be a sign that they are no longer feeling comfortable enough to drive.

If you take a drive with your loved one, you should observe their driving habits. How do they react to driving? Do they seem tense? Do they wear their seatbelt? Do they seem aware and observant? How do they react to their surroundings? Do they know where they’re going? Many times, declining driving skills don’t necessarily result in an immediate increase in tickets or accidents.

You could also ask your loved one’s friends or neighbors if they’ve noticed any issues with driving.

How do I approach a loved one about driving?

Having a conversation to inform a loved one that it is time to stop driving can be awkward, embarrassing, or a myriad of other emotions. However, it is necessary to avoid the potential consequences of unsafe driving.

Take some time to plan how you will approach the conversation. Consider how it might feel from your loved one’s point of view. They may be sad or feel powerless when confronted with the situation, and they could struggle with the idea of what to do when it is time to cease driving.

The first time you have this conversation with your loved one it is unlikely to be the last. It may take a few times to get the matter to sink in and discuss how to transition away from driving in a way that works for everyone.

You may want to begin the conversation by asking questions to understand how your loved one feels about the situation and their driving abilities. Curiosity and compassion will go a long way in creating trust regarding the transition.

Help your loved one reflect on their feelings. Instead of offering immediate solutions to their objections, simply rephrase what you’re hearing to engage in reflective listening. If your loved one begins to reminisce about their driving history, let them. Also let them have their input regarding how to move forward.

How can I help a senior transition away from driving?

There are several ways that you can support a senior when they must cease driving. The senior is likely to need both emotional and practical support.

When a senior is told that they can no longer drive, they often need time to grieve. During this time, make sure to listen to them if they voice their opinions or reminisce about memories that involve driving. You can also share your own memories, or encourage them to open up about it by looking at photos or asking them questions.

Ensure that you know how to recognize signs of depression, such as irritability, withdrawal, fatigue, or loss of appetite. Make yourself available to them, especially during the transition period, either by being there physically or over the phone. Offer to drive them when you can, and encourage them to remain social as much as possible.

To help a senior get around, you can help them learn how to use public transportation. Ride the bus or take a taxi with them a few times until they get the hang of it. You could also help them identify people who might be willing to give them rides. You may also be able to find tips for elderly drivers from AARP and similar resources.

Another option is to help your loved one find new hobbies and activities that they can participate in which don’t involve driving. Offer to help with projects and keep them updated with local news and events that they might be able to attend.

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