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Driving and Mobility in Older Ages

31 December 2023

During old age, some drivers experience changes that may have an effect on their driving ability. Changes are individual and occur at varying rates from person to person. It may be vision that gets worse, alterations in reaction speed, cognitive challenges, and more.

If you or your family members experience these changes, it is advisable to consult with your family doctor. If necessary, conducting a driving assessment at occupational therapy clinics can serve as an initial or alternative step before involving the Medical Institute for Road Safety, the authorized entity responsible by law for assessing driving capability in the State of Israel.

The driving fitness test evaluates functions necessary for driving, and at the end of the process, you will receive a recommendation regarding the appropriate course of action, which may include continuing to drive or considering alternative mobility options such as public transportation or an electric scooter. This transition requires a period of learning and adjustment, for instance, getting familiar with the new payment methods utilized in public transport such as buses and trains.

At present, driving is an essential need. Being able to drive nurtures independence at any stage of life, including in older age. Driving in general, and specifically mobility, is one of the issues that occupy older people and their family members that live in the community.

Driving helps maintain social connections and participation in events and meetings with friends by facilitating mobility. It helps conduct continuous communication with family and relatives, accomplish shopping and daily errands, attend cultural and recreational events, and more.

Changes in driving ability and skill

With natural aging, some older adults experience changes that may damage their driving ability. Changes are individual and occur at varying rates from person to person.

Changes may manifest in decreased visual acuity, alterations in reaction speed, difficulty recognizing crucial road signs, navigation difficulties, and a need to receive guidance from people sitting in the car. It may also be a tendency to lose direction in a familiar way, drive at an inappropriate speed, etc.

During older age, certain medical conditions may arise that can potentially impact driving ability. For instance, diabetes can impair vision and sensation, while arthritis can make it challenging to grip the steering wheel, etc.

If drivers themselves or their family members encounter such changes or if unexplained injuries occur while driving, it is essential to seek advice from the family doctor regarding the driver's continued ability to drive.

The process of driving fitness test

In Israel, the entity that determines driving fitness is the Medical Institute for Road Safety. Occupational therapy clinics perform a comprehensive assessment that can help take decisions prior to contacting the Medical Institute for Road Safety.
During the driving fitness assessment, motor, cognitive and sensory functions required for driving are tested, as well as driving itself.

At the end of the process, you will get a professional recommendation regarding your continued ability to drive or a recommendation to consider alternative mobility options such as public transportation or an electric scooter, etc.

If you are used to driving a car, a transition to mobility alternatives requires a period of adjustment. Travelling by public transport requires training, which involves learning and adjusting to the new payment methods utilized on public transport and means of creating a travel plan.

Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge the emotional aspect of giving up driving. It is a phase that requires internal and personal processing. Relinquishing driving, irrespective of your acceptance and comprehension of your cognitive and physical abilities, entails the need to establish a fresh daily or weekly routine, and modify activities to accommodate alternative modes of mobility within the community.

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