According to the 2020 US Census, the number of adults aged 65 and older who live alone has increased over the years; these individuals are often referred to as solo agers. Solo aging does not mean aging alone. Rather, solo agers are adults who make decisions about their lives and well-being independently. Solo aging can be an empowering experience, but it is important to identify needed steps to take and make necessary plans to ensure your journey remains filled with connection, independence, and safe mobility. These plans should include how you will meet your transportation needs.
Below, you'll find guidance on driving safety tips tailored to older adults and community resources available to assist you in maintaining safe mobility and independence. Whether you're seeking practical advice or simply looking to stay informed, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools you’ll need to navigate the road ahead confidently.
Understanding the Impact Aging Has on Driving
Aging impacts everyone differently. When it comes to driving, it is important to understand the impact age-related changes can have on your safe-driving ability. While older drivers are less likely to drive aggressively or speed, they are considered vulnerable road users. Due to age-related vulnerabilities, older road users are more likely to experience injuries or fatalities in motor vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle crashes.[1] This is because of two related issues—fragility and frailty.
Fragility (breakability) relates to how likely it is that a person will be injured if they are in a crash. Frailty (repairability) relates to how well that person can recover once injured. Together, frailty and fragility can translate to longer periods of recovery or lasting effects after involvement in a crash.
As we age, we can also experience a decline in skills that are important for driving. This decline is not based on age alone, but changes in cognitive, visual, and physical functions may cause safety concerns. Additionally, there are specific medical conditions and medications that can affect one’s driving ability.
Being Proactive About Being a Safe Driver
Driving is a complex activity. It is important for drivers to maintain their safe driving skills, such as wearing a seatbelt, following road laws, driving with no distractions, and never driving while impaired. Attending community-based programs focused on safe driving skills can be a proactive way to remain safe on the roads and learn new skills. It is also important for drivers to learn ways to identify changes in their driving early and intervene as soon as possible. A driving assessment can be helpful in identifying these changes. There are many different resources and tools on driver assessments. These assessments range from self-assessments to evaluations conducted by a driving rehabilitation specialist (DRS).
Planning for Safe Mobility
Transportation planning is the key to remaining safe on the road. Transportation planning considers the lifestyle of each individual and their needs for getting to appointments, running errands, and enjoying an active life in their community while remaining a safe road user. When starting transportation planning, you will want to overlay the transportation options in your community with your transportation needs. Transportation options vary from community to community, including driving your personal vehicle, walking, biking, public transportation, private transportation, carpooling/ride-sharing, and informal support of family and friends. Try out the options available in your community to determine which mode fits your needs best so you feel safe and confident in using them. Also, consider ways to remain a safe driver, which could mean revisiting self-assessments, having regular doctor’s appointments, and planning your routes and driving during the daytime instead of night. Consider challenging yourself to use a different mode of transportation for an errand as practice.
The ChORUS Transportation Planning Tool is an easy way to plan and remain safe on the road. By answering a short questionnaire, you will be on your way to building your personalized transportation plan. The plan includes a customized list of details, resources, and links.
Maintaining Connection
As a solo ager, connection is key. In fact, staying connected with others is essential to older adults' overall health and well-being. A study by the National Institute on Aging found that older adults who maintained or increased their social activities had a slower rate of cognitive function decline compared to those who were less socially active.[2] Exploring alternative transportation options, such as walking, biking, public transit, ridesharing services, and community transportation programs to attend events and social gatherings is a great way to remain safe and mobile.
To find transportation resources available in your area, you can check out the My State Info page. From this page, you can select your state (or multiple states) to get a list of key resources. Additionally, you can find requirements regarding licensing and renewals, such as vision testing requirements and other information regarding driver's licenses.
Driving Safety Tips
- Schedule regular vision and hearing checks to ensure that you can see and hear adequately while driving.
- Stay active and healthy with regular exercise, a nutritional diet, and getting adequate sleep each night.
- Minimize distractions while driving by avoiding activities such as eating, using a cellphone, or adjusting the radio when behind the wheel.
- Plan your route in advance using a GPS navigational system or printed maps to familiarize yourself with the route and identify alternative routes in case of road closures or traffic congestion.
- Ask your healthcare provider if any medications you are taking could have interactions with other medications or have side effects that could affect your ability to drive safely.
- Adjust your driving habits if you experience changes in your cognitive, vision, and physical functions, such as avoiding driving at night or limit driving in certain weather conditions.
- Schedule regular inspections to keep your vehicle well-maintained. Check your brakes, lights, tires, and fluid levels regularly to ensure your vehicle is in optimal driving condition.
- Refer to the ChORUS website and resource library to stay informed on road user safety.
Helpful Tools and Resources for Safe Driving
- Learn more about screening and assessments available to you
- Create your personal transportation plan
- Explore your state's transportation resources
- Check how well your vehicle fits you with CarFit
- Learn more about vehicle safety features
[1] Pomidor A, ed. Clinician’s Guide to Assessing and Counseling Older Drivers, 4th Edition. New York: The American Geriatrics Society; 2019.
[2] Cacioppo S, Grippo AJ, London S, Goossens L, Cacioppo JT. Loneliness: clinical import and interventions. Perspect Psychol Sci. 2015;10(2):238-249. doi:10.1177/1745691615570616