From Driving to Passenger: Transitions for Older Adults

For most adults, driving a car means independence – the ability to spend time in the community with friends and family, attend church, shop for necessary items such as groceries and medications, get to medical appointments, and participate in a host of other activities that are necessary for physical and emotional well-being. As we age, changes in our vision, hearing, physical functioning, and cognition may make driving more difficult and unsafe. Unless parents experience a sudden decline, these changes generally occur gradually and may be imperceptible to the aging driver. Every driver is unique, and age alone is not a good indicator of driving ability. So, who should give up driving? Who makes the evaluation and decision? And what resources may replace driving oneself? This program will address the warning signs of driving impairment in aging adults, suggest evaluation strategies, present transportation alternatives, and present scenarios for discussing driving with our parents. Presenter: Marino Peroni, Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist with Freedom & Mobility