Harvard Offers Health Tips for Older Drivers to Stay Safe

In a recent Harvard Health Letter article, "Stay Driving to Stay Independent," Harvard Medical School offers several health conditions and "quick fixes" that older drivers should consider to stay safe on the road.

1. Changes in eyesight and hearing. These senses can deteriorate with age. People over 65 are recommended to have a comprehensive eye exam every other year, or more frequently with eye conditions. Keeping noise to a minimum and reducing or eliminating night driving are recommended.
2. Chronic physical conditions. The effects of diseases, such as pain from arthritis, tremors from Parkinson’s disease or blood sugar imbalance from diabetes, can impair driving functions such as steering, pressing gas and brake pedals, and observing traffic. Harvard recommends exercise and stretching to maintain strength and flexibility, and checking blood sugar before getting behind the wheel, if diabetic.
3. Cognitive changes. Problems such as dementia or other cognitive impairment can create serious dangers when driving. Effects can include confusion in high-traffic areas, getting lost, and misjudging distance or timing. Although the safest action is to give up driving, Harvard recommends avoiding driving during busy times of day, and avoiding high-traffic areas.
4. Medications. Medication can cause side effects such as dizziness, confusion and drowsiness, all of which can adversely affect driving ability. Harvard reminds drivers to check with their doctor to learn about a medication’s potential effect on driving ability.
5. Heart attack or stroke. These emergencies can cause a driver to lose consciousness and pose an added threat. Drivers are urged to familiarize themselves with the symptoms of these emergencies so they can pull over safely and call 9-1-1.
6. Emotional distress. Life events that cause emotional distress can create an added risk when driving, because they can create a mental distraction for the driver. Harvard recommends asking someone else to drive during times of emotional distress.