While seniors might hold a wealth of experience over their newly-licensed, teenage counterparts, there are also several risks involved that impair senior driving safety. People over the age of 65, regardless of health, should take a step back to consider whether they should be behind the wheel or not. This, of course, is not just for their own safety, but for everyone on the road.
People over the age of 65 are 16% more likely to get into a car crash than any other age demographic. They are also more likely to be killed in the crash, due to bones being more brittle and various medical conditions that cause the body to go into physical and mental decline. Those who are more likely to faint are twice as likely to cause a car crash (which is fairly obvious) but the reason behind it is that as many as 1/3 of seniors over the age of 70 have a heart condition that can cause habitual fainting.
How to Determine When to Turn Over the Keys
People over the age of 65 are 16% more likely to get into a car crash than any other age demographic. They are also more likely to be killed in the crash, due to bones being more brittle and various medical conditions that cause the body to go into physical and mental decline. Those who are more likely to faint are twice as likely to cause a car crash (which is fairly obvious) but the reason behind it is that as many as 1/3 of seniors over the age of 70 have a heart condition that can cause habitual fainting.
How to Determine When to Turn Over the Keys
- Is the senior suffering from any cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s, dementia, etc.?
- Is the senior suffering from a chronic condition such as heart problems, a history of fainting, vision problems, etc.?
- Is the senior taking any prescriptions that can cause drowsiness or have some other impact on driving like causing blurred vision?
- Is the senior showing any decline in reaction time and reflexes?
- Is the senior wearing the proper glasses for his/her updated glass prescription?
Alternatives to Driving
While there’s certainly nothing like driving yourself around to where you need to go, there are plenty of alternatives to consider if safety and health is an issue.
- Call a taxi cab
- While Uber is not currently available in Vancouver, there are a number of other ride-share and taxi type alternatives available
- Ask a friend or family member
- Call HandyDart, a ride service for people who have physical limitations or who have cognitive disabilities
- Walk to the location if the weather is agreeable
Staying Safe While Driving
- Always wear a seatbelt
- Don’t smoke while driving
- Don’t use a cell phone while driving
- Stay fit – mentally and physically
- Keep the radio on low
- Have your route planned
Seniors living in the Vancouver area, who are interested in learning about home health care providers in Vancouver, or would like free referrals for assisted living in Vancouver, can call the Always Best Care Vancouver branch at 778-945-3010 for a free consultation.
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