In Alberta, driving is often a big part of daily life, whether you live in a city or somewhere rural. For many people, it means freedom and being able to take care of themselves — but as we age, changes in our body and mind can make driving harder.
It’s important for older adults and their families to find a good balance between staying independent and staying safe on the road. Knowing when it’s time to stop driving isn’t always easy.
There are some early signs that driving may be getting harder. Talk to your family doctor if you or someone you care about has:
Family members might notice these things when riding as a passenger, or they might hear their loved one talk about feeling nervous while driving.
Seeing a doctor for a driver’s medical exam is best but there are a few things families can look for at home:
If anything worries you, it’s a good idea to start the conversation about driving retirement, or book a driving assessment with a family practitioner.
The Government of Alberta requires medical exams for all drivers 75 years of age and again at 80, then every two years after 80. Family doctors or nurse practitioners use these exams to help older adults understand if it’s still safe for them to drive. A doctor or nurse practitioner’s advice is also important because it often means more than hearing concerns from a family member.
“Family doctors have a big responsibility when it comes to driving medical exams: balancing independence for seniors while also working to keep the public safe,” explains Dr. Tina Hoang, Medical Lead, Calgary Foothills PCN Extended Health Team.
“Health professionals know that retiring from driving is a big change in someone’s life and we want to support our patients as best we can through this transition,” says Dr. Hoang.
If it’s time to give up the keys, it can be a tough conversation for both seniors and their families. Staying supportive and focusing on solutions can help:
There are many ways seniors can stay active and get where they need to go without driving:
An appointment with your family doctors or nurse practitioner is the first place for patients and their families to go with questions.
If needed as a first step, all Calgary Foothills PCN’s health management nurses are qualified to provide thinking/memory (cognitive) testing, education and support for self-management. Ask your family doctor if cognitive testing is the next step for you or a loved one.
Giving up the keys doesn’t mean giving up on life’s journeys — just choosing a safer way to travel them.