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Media Releases
Easing the Burden of Driving's End
Columbia, Mo. (November 28, 2006) "Just think what your life will be if you have to put your car in the repair shop," says Diana Baldwin, occupational therapist and principal investigator at the Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (MARRTC). "For a car repair, you live without a car for just one week and all the inconveniences to deal with, but for them [older drivers], it's the rest of their life." Baldwin is explaining what senior drivers go through when they stop driving.
According to Baldwin, who has worked extensively with seniors on safety issues, driving is a "life-altering event that can change all aspects of one's life." In fact, many told Baldwin, stopping driving is "one of the most difficult changes in the whole life, with an impact almost comparable to the loss of partner."
When the aging process puts driving at a higher risk for a family member, the right approach will make this delicate subject easier to tackle.
Begin Intervention Early
Cognitive changes can significantly impact driving safety at a very early stage, says Baldwin. "If you make the changes now, you can help your loved-one drive longer."
- Do a "drive along" with the older driver. Watch for physical and mental problems in their driving habits.
- Discuss driving limits such as daytime hours, shorter distances, familiar routes and routes with fewer intersections or traffic lanes.
- Consider car modifications. For example, a special mirror that helps enhance the view, or a seat belt extender to avoid overreaching. These items can be obtained through local mobility dealers, driving rehabilitation specialists or on-line assistive device companies.
- Encourage older drivers to enroll in a class for defensive driving skills. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), American Automobile Association (AAA), Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED) and your local Area Agency on Aging can provide additional information. Or have their driving evaluated by a certified driving rehabilitation specialist.
Be Sensitive and Understanding
"Driving is a sense of identity," says Baldwin. "Stopping driving means they have to plan more, and have to be dependent and ask for help to get around. It really changes who they are, and their involvement in the world." Therefore, warns Baldwin, it's very likely that your senior driver may become upset or defensive the first time you bring up the topic.
- Give specific reasons- recent fender benders, getting lost often, or running stop signs.
- Listen to their concerns. Find out what worries them and make a plan together to resolve those issues.
- Bring in specialists. A recommendation of a doctor, a driver rehabilitation specialist or a driving instructor may convince them to stop driving.
Create Easy Alternatives
It's easier for people to give up driving if they have other ways to get around. When your senior driver is ready, work together to create plans for a life without driving. Talk about activities outside the home and prioritize necessary like visits to the doctor and include those important social activities, too.
- Let them know when you're available and make outing plans around your schedule.
- Provide senior drivers with bus service route information and schedules.
- Help your family member shop from catalog or online. Arrange for home delivery of medications and groceries.
- Create a list of ride options, includes names and phone number of the following:
1. Friends and relatives who are willing to give rides
3. Door-to-door shuttle service for older passengers (check your community center)
4. Community volunteer drivers, if available
The Missouri Arthritis Research Rehabilitation and Training Center (MARRTC) was established in 1971 at the University of Missouri-Columbia Arthritis Center. MARRTC is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (H133B031120) and is the only federally funded arthritis rehabilitation research and training center in the country.
As part of the MU Health Communication Research Center (HCRC), MARRTC's mission is to become a national leader in the areas of disability management and communication, improve the quality of life and promote independent living among people who have arthritis and arthritic conditions. MARRTC's core message is "Disability is everyone's issue."
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