The Aging Population

• refers to people over the age of 65 and represents 12.4% of the U.S. population, about one in every eight Americans
• will grow to be about 71.5 million by the year 2030, which is more than twice the number in 2000
• have multiple factors related to the normal aging process and complications from disease which can make driving and getting in and out of a vehicle more challenging

Older Drivers

• often remain competent behind the wheel; however some of the changes that occur as a person ages can increase their risk on the road
• those over the age of 75, have a higher risk of being involved in a collision for every mile they drive.
• are more likely to get into multi-vehicle accidents than younger drivers and car accidents are more dangerous for older drivers
• ability to drive should not be determined by age alone

Risk Factors That Can Effect Driving Ability

• Vision decline
• Hearing loss
• Limited mobility and increased reaction time
• Medications
• Drowsiness
• Dementia or cognitive changes

Impact on Driving/Transportation

• A modified vehicle, wheelchair lift or transfer seat may be needed for a person who now requires a scooter or wheelchair for mobility or has difficulty transferring into an unmodified vehicle.
• If continuing to drive is a goal and there are concerns due to a change in functional ability, the onset of disease, accidents or traffic violations, a driving evaluation should be completed to determine if the person has the cognitive, visual, perceptual and physical ability to continue driving. (www.aded.net)
• This evaluation would also determine if adaptive driving equipment or vehicle modifications would benefit the individual.

Possible Vehicle Equipment Needs

• Wheelchair or scooter stowage lift
• Transfer seat
• Lowered floor minivan or full size van with a lift
• Adaptive driving equipment may allow the person to compensate for an impaired ability to reach or operate primary and secondary driving controls