5 Things You Need to Know About Driving for Seniors

1. Keep Fit, Look Sharp, and Drive

You might have been a great driver and you almost never had an accident in your lifetime. But what are the chances that you'll continue driving until the very end? Just make sure you're physically fit, think clearly and see well ahead. Elderly driving can be greatly rewarding if you have your reflexes still sharp and your faculties in good shape. However, you might want to think twice if your vision is poor, your memory is impaired, or you are unable to get going with one or more activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, moving around indoors or outdoors.

2. Age Can Affect Elderly Driving

You might want to stop for a while if you are having a hard time moving your head to look back, turning the steering wheel or safely hiting the brakes. Take along a friend to watch you drive during nights, on highways, during rush hours or bad weather. Let him notice if you can see around or ahead in the sun or street lights. If you suffer from cataracts, macular degeneration or glaucoma, it should be quite a challenge, indeed. Do you have any issues with your nervous system, say Alzheimer's disease, for instance? You might want to check with your doctor if driving is still something that's an option for you. In fact, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, heart problems and related pacemakers or defibrillators can screw up the driving experience. A history of strokes is not a good record. Also, make sure you have adequate sleep before you get behind the wheel.

3. Drugs and Driving Could be Dangerous

You don't need to avoid only alcohol before you think of driving. In fact, some of the medications can make you drowsy enough to put you to sleep behind the wheel. Elderly driving can be risky with sleep aids, anti-depression drugs, antihistamines for allergies and colds, strong pain killers and diabetes medications. You might as well check with your doctor if only to confirm how exactly your condition could be improved for safe driving.

4. Is it Time to Give Up Driving?

A quick check should warn you if driving is still within your ability. Just notice if other drivers honk at you on a regular basis. Don't ignore the problem if you have been into "fender benders" lately or have got lost in the middle of nowhere. Also, take heed of others' comments if they express concern at your driving skills. And are you driving less because you are not so sure of safety for yourself or others?

5. Is it Still Possible to Get Around?

Does it ever make sense how much you can save just by giving up driving? You might be saving a few thousands of dollars just by taking alternate means of transport. Of course, you may be someone unwilling to forgo your independence. But then, as always, safety should come first. And it may be a good idea to hire a low-cost taxi or bus service. Or carpooling might be another option. Where there is a will, there is a way, indeed.