Driving and Transportation

Question 1

Why are many aging people on the road?

Answer 1

Primary mode of transportation
Aging population
Necessary in areas of poor public transportation
Increase in doctors appointments
Lack of “online” knowledge

Question 2

Regarding driving and the aging population, some states require

Answer 2

Vision tests
Shortened renewal period
Physical and mental competency from a doctor
In person renewal required

Question 3

Some states place what type of driving restrictions on the aging?

Answer 3

No freeway driving
No night driving
Additional mirrors or other adaptations
Eye glasses
Geographic area restrictions

Question 4

Reasons driving can be an issue with the aging population

Answer 4

Vision
Physical limitations
Mental of psychological limitations
Medications

Question 5

Vision problems that can cause issues with driving

Answer 5

Cataracts
Glaucoma
Macular degeneration
Diabetic retinopathy

Question 6

Physical limitations that can cause issues with driving

Answer 6

Decreased AROM and strength
Endurance (long drives)
- Mental and physical endurance
Reflex time
Tremors
Neuropathy

Question 7

Mental and psychological limitations that can cause issues with driving

Answer 7

Memory
Defensive driving
Dementia

Question 8

How to decide whether an aging individual is safe to drive

Answer 8

1. Review of the informant data
   - Those people who “know” the client
   > Doctors, family, the patient
   - Comorbidities
   - Past driving record and experience
   - Area and places they need to drive
   > Atlanta vs Prattville
   - Medications they are on
2. Cognitive data and dementia severity
   - Based on concrete assessments
3. Client factors
   - Client’s insight
   - Size, height, strength, knowledge
4. Road test
   - Simulation
   - Real thing
5. Ethics

Question 9

How to get an aging individual to stop driving?

Answer 9

Report them to the DMV
Have a relative or friend “borrow” the car
“Lose” keys
Take in for repairs
Disable the car
Sell the car (we are going to buy another one)
Some will stop on their own
- Especially if there are options

Question 10

Other options for transportation with the aging population

Answer 10

Public
- Have to learn to use it
- In Alabama, a bus may not be available and there’s a stigma around using the bus system.
Uber
- Have to learn to use it
Friends/Family
- Safety of “drop off”
- May get lost
Community transportation
- Retirement centers
- Walking
Medical transportation companies
Churches
- Start a ministry