Healthy aging: Over 50 (12)
- DHEA: Evidence for anti-aging claims is weak
- Sexual health and aging: Keep the passion alive
- Senior sex: Tips for older men
- see all in Healthy aging: Over 50
Healthy retirement (6)
- Aging: What to expect as you get older
- Fall prevention: 6 ways to reduce your falling risk
- Memory loss: 7 tips to improve your memory
- see all in Healthy retirement
Dependent seniors (1)
- Home care services: Questions to ask
Mayo Clinic Health Manager
Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.
Get Started
About our e-newsletters
- Free e-newsletters
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- We do not share your e-mail address
Housecall, our weekly general-interest e-newsletter, keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics with timely, reliable, practical information, recipes, blogs, questions and answers with Mayo Clinic experts and more. Our biweekly topic-specific e-newsletters also include blogs, questions and answers with Mayo Clinic experts, and other useful information that will help you manage your health.
Housecall Archives
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Driver safety: Top 7 tips for older drivers
Driving can sometimes be challenging for older adults. Follow these driver safety tips, from taking good care of yourself to planning ahead and updating your skills.
By Mayo Clinic staffDriver safety requires more than understanding road signs and traffic laws. As you get older, you'll likely notice physical changes that can make actions such as turning your head to look for oncoming traffic or driving at night more challenging. Still, getting older doesn't mean your driving days are over. Consider the top seven tips for older drivers.
No. 1: Stay physically active
Staying physically active improves your strength and flexibility, which may help with actions such as turning the steering wheel and looking over your shoulder. Look for ways to include physical activity in your daily routine. Walking is a great choice for many people. Stretching and strength training exercises are helpful, too. If you've been sedentary, get your doctor's OK before increasing your activity level.
No. 2: Manage any chronic conditions
Work with your doctor to manage any chronic conditions — especially those that might affect your ability to drive safely. For example, if you have diabetes, follow your doctor's instructions for managing your blood sugar. This can help you avoid low blood sugar levels while you're behind the wheel. Follow any driving restrictions suggested by your doctor.
Of course, it's equally important to know your medications. Many drugs can affect your ability to drive safely, even when you're feeling fine. Read the labels of your medications so that you know what to expect from each one. Don't drive if you've taken medication that causes drowsiness or dizziness. Ask your doctor about ways to take your medication so that it doesn't affect your driving.
No. 3: Schedule regular vision and hearing tests
Senses such as hearing and vision tend to decline with age. Impaired hearing may impede your ability to hear an approaching emergency vehicle or train. And common age-related vision problems — such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration — can make it difficult to see clearly or drive at night.
Ask your doctor how frequently to schedule vision and hearing tests. Even if you think your hearing and vision are fine, stick to your doctor's recommended exam schedule. Problems may be easier to correct if caught early.
No. 4: Understand your limitations
Consider your physical limitations and make any necessary adjustments. For example, if your hands hurt when gripping the steering wheel, use a steering wheel cover that makes holding and turning the wheel more comfortable. You might ask your doctor for a referral to an occupational therapist, who may offer assistive devices to help you drive or suggest specific exercises to help you overcome your limitations.
You might also adjust your vehicle or choose a different vehicle to better meet your needs. You may find it easier to step into and out of a bigger car, and larger dials on the dashboard may be easier to read. Features such as large mirrors and power windows and door locks can be helpful, too.
Next page(1 of 2)
- Tips for safe driving. American Medical Association. http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/433/tips_for_safe_drivin.pdf. Accessed Dec. 17, 2008.
- Older drivers. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/drivers.htm. Accessed Dec. 17, 2008.
- The driver rehabilitation specialist. American Medical Association. http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/433/chapter5.pdf. Accessed Dec. 17, 2008.
- Ladden MD. Approach to the evaluation of older drivers. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 17, 2008.
- Driving safely while aging gracefully: How is your vision? National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/olddrive/Driving%20Safely%20Aging%20Web/page2.html. Accessed Dec. 31, 2008.
- Driving safely while aging gracefully: How is your physical fitness? National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/olddrive/Driving%20Safely%20Aging%20Web/page3.html. Accessed Dec. 31, 2008.
- Driving safely while aging gracefully: How is your attention and reaction time? National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/olddrive/Driving%20Safely%20Aging%20Web/page4.html. Accessed Dec. 31, 2008.
- Driving safely while aging gracefully: Keep alert to changes. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/olddrive/Driving%20Safely%20Aging%20Web/page5.html. Accessed Dec. 31, 2008.
