Q – My mother is from Bakersfield and at 82, still drives herself around town to run errands and to appointments. In recent years driving with her, I’ve noticed some minor changes that make me worry for her safety when she’s behind the wheel. Do senior’s driving skills really change as they get older, or is this my imagination?

A – According to a website created by the AAA that is dedicated specifically to seniors and their driving, there are senses used in driving that do change as we age. Although the driving itself may not decline exactly, some skills can be affected when senses are no longer what they used to be.

Here is how age affects senior’s driving:

• Sensing behind the wheel changes, with regards to vision and hearing. 85% to 90% of safe driving relies upon the eyes and the eyes change in a number of ways, including diminished light entering the eyes, declining focus, increased sensitivity to glare, difficulty perceiving color, diminished depth perception and narrowed peripheral vision. Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults, and it can affect a driver’s ability to take in their surroundings
• Deciding – once the senses take in information, the brain needs to process what to do with it. In older adults, it takes longer to process information, which can decrease the reaction time needed to respond to situations on the road
• Reacting – this can be affected by a few things. While seniors might know that they need to respond, their level of physical fitness or mobility or their medications might inhibit them from physically responding when behind the wheel of a car

However, even if you are noticing some minor changes with your mom’s driving, doesn’t mean she has to give up her keys, which can signify a huge loss of independence. Instead encourage her to utilize some simple techniques that will provide for her safety.

Sources:

1. AAASeniors

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.