Driving is a major area of security and independence for seniors. I watched my father struggle with no longer driving a car – and losing his independence – due to Parkinson's disease. And my grandfather just turned 97 years old, and only stopped driving a few years back. Losing that control, that independence, can be devastating.
A recent Detroit Free Press article featured retired GM engineer, John Bieda, who works as a volunteer instructor for the AARP Driver Safety Program. The goal of the AARP Program is to help seniors recognize “natural declines” in eyesight, reaction time and other characteristics that make it harder to drive safely.
Bieda's class focuses on real-life worries and ways drivers can help offset the challenges of aging. He suggests:
• Limiting nighttime driving.
• Leaving extra driving distance between vehicles.
• Exercising and stretching daily to maintain muscle strength and flexibility.
• Adjusting mirrors to better see blind spots.
• Not making left turns, even if it means going out of the way to get somewhere by
The number of people taking the courses is growing – more than 3,400 people took part in 2007, up from about 2,600 in 2006. There is a minimal $10 cost for the course, which generally consists of 8 hours of instruction over 2 days. For more about senior driving classes, go to www.aarp.org/drive or call 888-227-7669. Community senior centers also may have information.
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