Preparing to hang up the car keys as we age
From fortune:
Neurology professor Lewis Morgenstern plans to sign an advance directive for driving when he turns 65 and trusts his children to take over his responsibility behind the wheel. 61% of older adults with cognitive impairment continued to drive despite 36% of caregiver concerns. Around 50 million people 65 and older held driver’s licenses in 2021.
As the number of seniors aged 70, 80, and 90 years old expand, risks for older drivers rise with aging and the onset of medical conditions as they are more likely to be severely injured or die due to their vulnerability. There are growing concerns as motor vehicle deaths for seniors 65 and older increase 34%, reaching 7,489 in 2021.
While the majority of older adults drive safely, risks for older drivers rise with age and the onset of medical conditions such as arthritis, glaucoma, and Parkinson’s disease. Motor vehicle deaths increased 34% in 2021 for people 65 and older. An occupational therapist recommends seniors to get evaluated for cognitive impairments when diagnosed.
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