Many older adults are capable of driving safely, even into their 70s and 80s. But people age differently. Several factors place seniors at much greater risk for road accidents and affect seniors’ driving ability. More importantly, a person 70 or older involved in a car accident is more likely to be seriously hurt, require hospitalization or die than a younger person involved in the same crash. Knowing the risk factors and warning signs of an older loved one who has become unable to safely operate a vehicle will help you gauge when it’s time to take away the keys. But how can you effectively handle that situation? Since a person’s mobility is intimately tied to their sense of independence, this can be a very sensitive topic. Here are some strategies to help you navigate the situation with your elderly parents or relatives compassionately and sensibly.
