How old is too old to drive? Getting older doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give up your license and independence; your health and mental state are more important to your ability to drive than the number of candles on your cake.
General effects of aging include muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and reduced flexibility. Your reflexes start to slow down, too. All these things together may give you trouble turning the steering wheel or using the brakes. Severe arthritis may make it hard for you to grip the wheel or look over your shoulder to check for oncoming traffic.
Night vision and hearing tend to decline with age, too, making it harder for you to hear an emergency vehicle approaching or see past the glare of approaching headlights. If you have eye problems like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration, you may be missing parts of your field of vision that are crucial for driving.
Do you have trouble concentrating? Have you noticed your reaction times slowing down? This is a natural part of aging, but it may make it difficult for you to make decisions in certain driving situations. Memory loss due to Alzheimer’s disease or other neurological conditions can make it unsafe for you to drive.
So what can you do to continue to be a safe driver? These tips will help you protect yourself AND other drivers:
- Know the side effects of your medications. Do not take any medications that may cause drowsiness before driving.
- Have your vision tested regularly — at least once a year.
- Stay in shape. Regular exercise will help keep up your strength and flexibility, so you can push those pedals or check your blind spot.
- Try to do your driving during the day and in good weather.
- Try to stick to familiar roads so you don’t have the stress of getting lost. Plan your route in advance if you are going somewhere new.
- Avoid distractions like talking on your cell phone!
- Diabetic? Check your blood sugar before getting behind the wheel. Low blood sugar can impair your decision making abilities.
- Think about a new car. Features like larger mirrors and windows, automatic transmission, power windows and locks, and seats that adjust in several directions can help make your drive easier.
- Keep your skills fresh. Take a driving course if you think your skills make be starting to slip. Check with the AARP for refresher courses in your area.
- Don’t drink and drive — at any age!
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