As more baby boomers move into their senior years, the number of older drivers on the road has increased. While most senior citizens are safe drivers, the question begs, “How old is too old to drive?” Let’s delve into this hot topic and learn what matters most!
Ye of old age…
The average lifespan in the United States has mainly been increasing due to advances in public health. The number of older drivers on the road is growing, too, as more baby boomers are entering seniorhood. This rising number of elderly drivers, combined with increases in accidents associated with older people, has brought newfound attention to senior drivers and roadway safety. Recently, California’s DMV announced plans for stricter driving requirements for people aged 70 and up – purportedly based on driving records. Soon, other states will likely follow suit. This leads many people to curiously ask, “How old is considered too old to drive?”
There’s no real answer
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Rather, this “gray area” is largely dependent upon an older driver’s mental and physical health and driving ability. Many mature adults prioritize safety on the road and accept driving as a serious responsibility. Senior drivers also appreciate the freedom driving offers to take them where they want to go. They are extremely likely to abide by seatbelt laws, observe speed limits, and obey road signage. Unfortunately, age-related declines happen. For protection, there may come a day and time when older drivers are no longer able to safely drive. This can understandably be difficult for some individuals to accept.
The invaluable value of transportation
Most people drive for a combination of reasons to include business and pleasure. Though retirees who are out of the workforce are less likely to drive to and from work, most still need their vehicles for necessary transportation. Frequently, older people rely on their cars for transport to and from essential places, such as the grocery store, pharmacy, medical office, place of worship, volunteer duties, visiting friends and family and more. Driving serves the important purpose of providing opportunities to visit loved ones and stay socially engaged. As people age, staying in touch with others is not only pleasurable, but a strong social life is associated with health benefits to include less depression and longer life spans. Therefore, it is important for most seniors to maintain their independence and enjoy vibrant social lives via driving for as long as possible.
It happens…
As baby boomers age, and people are living longer than in the past, for some there may come a day when driving is no longer reasonable. This “hardship” is not a rare issue. Rather, it is expected to affect a significant segment of the population. For the safety of all on the road, drivers of mature age who can no longer drive safely must respectfully decline driving. Sometimes, loved ones may notice issues with driving first. That can be hard news for individuals who are unaware of their shortcomings. Most people can gauge their own driving abilities by watching for telltale signs to include:
- Changes to daytime/nighttime vision
- Reduction of muscle coordination/strength/flexibility
- Poor reflexes/reaction time
- Impaired hearing
- Memory declines/mental fogginess/trouble remembering directions
- Changes in self-confidence
- Increased close-calls or accidents
- Failure/lack of ability to comply with traffic rules
- Inability to multitask well/exhibiting stress
- Expressions of physical pain
Monitoring driving health & personal safety
Elderly seniors who drive should regularly monitor their health to make sure they are fit to be on the road. Older drivers are encouraged to promptly report any physical or mental changes to their doctor. In doing so, one may possibly identify and address medical conditions to hopefully restore or improve driving abilities. For instance, senior citizens experiencing a reduction in vision may benefit from a stronger eye prescription or perhaps a procedure to enhance eyesight such as cataract surgery. Caretakers or close family and friends may also be proactive by encouraging senior drivers to pay attention to their health and driving safety. Note that when evaluating and addressing other people’s driving issues, it is important to be direct yet maintain sensitivity to not offend.
At some point in time…
Someday, drivers of advanced age may experience a decline in nighttime vision or notice changes in driving performance. In a study on the effects of age and different light conditions, visual exploration behavior and driving performance were examined via simulated driving. The results demonstrated that vision plays a significant role in driving performance. The study also concluded that, “At the performance level, older drivers showed more variation in driving speed and lane-keeping behavior, which was especially prominent at night.” Nighttime driving can pose challenges for older drivers as it requires visual acuity and attention which can decline with age. Drivers who find it increasingly stressful to drive at night often self-impose restrictions by avoiding night driving. This is part of the acceptance of growing older and valuing safety on the road.
The answer is not a set number
People behind the wheel who are experiencing declines in driving abilities, such as struggling to see at night, experiencing slower reaction times, or having increased difficulty parking, should have conversations with their doctor to troubleshoot solutions. In life, there aren’t always precise answers. This is true of the question, “How old is too old to drive?” When to stop driving is not fixated on a particular age, rather it is safety based. Whether it’s a young new driver who lacks experience on the road, a middle-aged person facing a medical condition that affects driving, or an older person facing slower reflexes, it’s the same theme – safety on the road.
Summing up “How old is too old to drive?”
In summary, age alone is not a reliable indicator of driving ability. However, age-related conditions may impact one’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Thus, older drivers should prioritize their health and maintain awareness of driving skills. If loved ones are worried about a driver’s ability, concerns should be taken seriously. When to hand over the keys is a tender subject, yet seniors should keep open minds and be prepared to demonstrate that they possess the vision, reflexes and mental sharpness to safely remain behind the wheel.
If this subject interests you, click here to read a related article entitled “Seniors & driving safety.”
Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not intended as personal advice. Anyone experiencing driving issues related to medical cause(s) should see their doctor promptly.
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