In Older Adults (NAPSA)—The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that there are more than 38 million drivers age 65 and older. Age is not the only factor that can impact driving abilities, but it is an important one. There is evidence that most people experience age-related declines in physical and mentalabilities. These changes—which can affect everything from vision to how quickly you can make decisions—influence how well you can drive. They can also be difficult to address for yourself or with older people you know,since driving often represents freedom,independence andcontrol. Are medicines affecting your driving? Some medications can make people feel drowsy and less alert or can limit the ability to pay attention. Some prescriptions even warn againstdriving. Review medications with your primary care provider or a pharmacist to see whether certain medicines might impactdriving. Buttransitioning from driving doesn't mean youhaveto lose these things. Your health care providers or Area Agency on Aging (wwweldercare.gov) can point you toward a range of transportation alternatives in the community. The first step toward finding thosetools is recognizing when you might need them. Signs that an Older Adult’s Driving Skills Need Testing So how do you know whether you or an older adult you know is developing difficulties as a driver? ‘These issues can be warning signs that suggest that an older driver may needto be tested or evaluated: Getting lost in familiar areas Ignoring traffic signs and signals Becomingeasily agitated or angered Falling asleep or being unable to concentrate when driving Reacting too slowly to dangeroussituations Forgetting or ignoring driving basics (like yielding to the right of way) Having trouble judging distances. Visit www.HealthinAging.org for more.
