One of the most difficult decisions for older Floridians is deciding when it is time to give up their car keys. Driving a car is one of the most obvious signs of freedom and independence, and realizing that your driving days are over can be overwhelming. When seniors do lose their driving privileges, whether by law or by choice, they often find it difficult to continue with their normal quality of life. Without their own vehicle. It becomes difficult to visit family, go to church, meet friends for lunch, or continue their hobbies. Basic activities such as shopping for groceries or visiting the doctor becomes exponentially more difficult. Overall, giving up their car keys can make a senior feel like their world is shrinking.
So although seniors are not eager to give up their driving privileges, sometimes family members must step in and make a difficult decision. Here are some warning signs to look for when determining the right time to ask Mom or Dad for their keys.
Issues with Vision: Any motorist who has problems with their eyesight will find it challenging to navigate through unpredictable weather, heavy highway traffic, obstacles on the road, or unpredictable drivers. However, older drivers also may be experiencing macular degeneration, glaucoma, or a decrease in night vision. Senior motorists should have their vision examined twice a year to be safe. Did You Know? Maintaining vision health will also help older adults avoid falling, which is the most common cause of injury in seniors.
Health Conditions: A wide range of health issues can impair driving ability, response time, and judgment. Those with early-stage dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, arthritis, and diabetes may wish to reconsider driving – these conditions can make driving much more dangerous.
Prescription Medication Effects: Many of the medications commonly prescribed to seniors can cause side effects that can impair driving ability. These side effects may include feeling sleepy or experiencing blurred vision. Shaking and tremors are associated with prescription drug use and can make driving perilous. Of course, anyone who takes narcotics or sleeping pills should never drive – regardless of age.
Hearing Loss: Many older adults live with hearing loss, which in its early stages should not be an issue. However, once a driver cannot hear horns or sirens, driving becomes more hazardous for everyone on the road. Aging adults should have their hearing checked regularly and get a hearing aid if necessary.
Anxiety or Fear: As we age, everyday familiar activities can begin to cause stress – and operating a car is no exception. Reacting to all the traffic and drivers on the road often results in anxiety, fatigue, or confusion in seniors. If your loved one comes home and seems overly anxious, has gotten lost on streets they are familiar with or excessively complains about how badly “other people” drive, they may need to surrender their keys. Sometimes your loved one will make this decision independently, as they may be aware of their own declining cognitive abilities.
12 Warning Signs
- Drifting across lanes or making abrupt lane changes
- Failing to stop at stop signs and traffic signals or acknowledging others’ right-of-way
- Anxiety, disorientation, and getting lost
- Braking unexpectedly for no reason or driving too slowly
- Accelerating rapidly with no explanation
- Stopping the car in moving traffic
- Backing up in traffic after missing an exit or turn
- Inability to react properly to visual cues
- Back or neck issues affecting range of movement and flexibility
- Failing to properly use turn signals
- Frequent “close calls” and “near misses,” dents or scrapes from low-speed collisions
- Two or more traffic warnings or tickets within two years
When seniors stop driving, moving to an assisted living community may be a great solution to continue with an active life. Even without a driver’s license, they will have the ability to socialize, go to meals with friends, enjoy day trips and excursions, and have transportation to shopping and doctor’s appointments.
If your loved one is considering moving to a senior residence, My Care Finders can help. We provide a FREE service that helps
