Driving: Skills and Significance 

What are your four or five most prized possessions? If you are like many

people you will probably answer your house, car, cell phone, computer, flatscreen

TV or maybe your iPod. What if you had to give something up? What would you give up

first, second, etc.? While this is hopefully a hypothetical question for most of us, it is a reality

people often face as a result of aging, illness or injury.

All belongings have meaning and significance; however, the thought of giving up the privilege and freedom to drive can be daunting. To help older adults and family members discuss driving and potential concerns, a new tool was released last month by Liberty Mutual insurance company. The Driver Seat Game is available online at http://libertymutual.com/driverseat and is specifically designed to simulate situations many drivers confront. In short, it highlights potential cognitive and physical limitations. While the game may be a better test of video gaming skills than driving skills, it is clearly a new and innovative approach that addresses a common concern.   

Any time there is a series of serious traffic accidents in which older adults are involved, it is typically not long before someone suggests the elderly be subject to some sort of road test in order to renew a driver license. Even though older adults as a group have the second worst driving record behind people ages 16-25, age should not be the determining factor. 

According to Tibi Ellis, president of Home Helpers, “Any type of age-based legislation would be ageism and would unfairly discriminate against older adults.” For the safety of drivers, passengers and pedestrians, driving requires good vision and hearing, quick reflexes, upper body strength and flexibility and confidence behind the wheel. Regardless of age, any sort of cognitive or physical limitations can impact a person’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Ellis continued, “Just because certain older adults may face challenges and be considered unsafe drivers, does not mean all older adults are unsafe.” In fact, many older adults tend to impose their own restrictions such as not driving during rush hour or bad weather conditions, and limiting their driving to familiar side roads and certain times of the day.

“At Home Helpers, many of our clients have given up the privilege to drive, either by choice or due to medical problems that limit their ability. If driving is a concern for you or your family, maybe Home Helpers can help. Many of our clients enjoy the care, companionship and assistance with transportation that we offer,” Ellis added.