Steps to LivingWell

In the past 20 years, the number of drivers over 65 doubled in Ontario, from 600,000 to 1,200,000.   Getting older doesn't automatically mean that you shouldn’t be behind the wheel. In fact, many seniors are excellent drivers; new, young drivers are the group with the worst driving record.

Regular monitoring of driving abilities is an important part of maintaining senior health, because there comes a point with many seniors when reflexes slow and vision deteriorates, making driving no longer safe for you and others on the road.

Most seniors resist giving up their cars. In fact, more than 90 percent of seniors don’t want to give up the independence that a car symbolizes. However, an older person's family and medical team need to form a unified front if they believe he or she is no longer safe to drive.

When you do have concerns about your own or a loved one's driving ability, you can request a driving evaluation, which can be performed at a rehabilitation center or driving school. Immediate driving evaluations are recommended for anyone diagnosed with dementia, even if it's mild and in early stages. When it's no longer safe for you or a loved one to drive, your physician may write a prescription saying so.

Making the transition from being an independent driver to being a passenger can be difficult. However, creating a network of alternative transportation arrangements to get you where you need to be can go a long way toward helping you adjust.

Brought to you by your LivingWell Coaches.