Drivers over age 65 are the fastest-growing segment of the driving population, and their eye care providers are playing an increasingly important role in assessing their ability to drive safely.
Today’s Geriatric Medicine published an article on how caregivers, family members, and physicians can help elders retire from driving.
A new study has highlighted the key role technology could play in extending the age at which people can drive safely on our roads.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have found that elders who stay behind the wheel are less likely to enter nursing homes or assisted living centers than those who have never driven or who have given up driving altogether.
NPR reported that “officials are bracing for a surge in senior drivers.” With statistics showing an accident increase after 65 and the likelihood of fatal accidents after 75, according to NPR.com.
An interdisciplinary research team has made a surprising discovery: Older, more mature motorists-who typically are better drivers in many circumstances-are much worse than their younger counterparts when texting while driving.
Montgomery County has launched “Explore Older Driver Resources,” a new webpage for older residents and their families. The page includes information about driving safely as well as alternate transportation options.
Florida is home to one of the highest percentages of residents ages 65 and older in the USA, but very few of them have through ahead to a time when they will no longer be able to drive a vehicle safely.
Researchers studying driving habits and accident rates among the elderly found that a majority support age-based competency tests.
In 2005, Psychiatric Times covered senior drivers on their website and the affect that prohibiting the elderly from driving can have on them.