(As published by the Hamilton Spectator May 26, 2021)
Dr. Ruheena Sangrar
Driving can be a meaningful activity in and of itself, but also a means of participating in other activities that define our identities.
During this COVID-19 pandemic, the variety and quantity of ‘destinations’ have been reduced drastically as a result of the growth in virtual communications, online ordering, and home delivery. However, we still need to access essential services outside the home, such as medical appointments and now vaccination sites. Curbside pickup has also become a norm for everyday living in our communities.
The 2019 Aging in the City of Hamilton report showed that, among participants in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, 93% of adults aged 65-74 years and 83% of those aged 75 and older held a driver’s license. The most common form of transportation was driving a car for 9 out of 10 individuals, followed next by being a passenger in a car.
Research over the last year suggests that older adults, like other age groups, are driving less often, shorter distances, and have lost many trip destinations. Studies have identified that dramatic changes to our everyday routines can impact how we feel and perform behind-the-wheel.
Age- and health-related changes in sensory, cognitive, and physical function could impact driving. Changes to vision, hearing, concentration, or fatigue-levels may make driving more difficult, especially in unfamiliar routes, nighttime driving or in challenging weather. Taking stock of potential changes early and often is critical to maintain driving abilities. At-fault collisions involving older adults have been, in part, attributed to symptoms of medical conditions.
Fatality rates of older drivers involved in crashes are disproportionately higher when compared to the broader driving population owing, partially, to increased musculoskeletal fragility. Recent safety-related innovations in vehicle design have played an important role in reducing these rates drastically.
Research has found that the most common types of crashes involving older drivers occur in more cognitively demanding situations (e.g., when changing lanes or turning left at an intersection) and that some of the errors can be remediated.
Recommendations from health professionals and transportation organizations to sharpen our driving skills include: 1) being more alert and aware of our surroundings by practicing suggested driving behaviours, such as increased scanning at intersections and more frequent blind spot and mirror checks; 2) reducing distractions by avoiding conversations with passengers, planning your route beforehand, or avoiding eating, drinking, and even talking on handsfree telephones; 3) staying cognitively and physically active outside the vehicle is important as well.
The Mayo Clinic in the U.S.A. outlines tips for driver safety which include regularly scheduling (and attending) vision and hearing tests to catch and correct any early changes. It is also important to review prescribed and over-the-counter medications, as well as recreational substance use, with your doctor or pharmacist. Side effects and interactions might impact driving and so ensuring that all recommended adjustments are made can optimize your comfort and performance behind the wheel.
An occupational therapist, accessed via a doctor’s referral, can recommend assistive devices that can make some driving tasks easier such as wide-angle rearview mirrors, backup camera kits, or gadgets that make it easier to get in and out of a car. CarFit, a program offered by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists and CAA, runs workshops that make such recommendations (information available here: https://caot.ca/site/pt/resources/carfit?nav=sidebar)
It is also important to stay abreast of any changes to traffic laws and licensing policies. For example, navigating new roundabouts or crosswalks in our neighbourhoods. A complete description of these new installations can be found at http://hamilton.ca, under the tab Living in Hamilton/Driving & Traffic. Where available, consider enrolling in a refresher course to update your knowledge about road rules and recommended driving procedures and the latest vehicle technologies.
In Ontario, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has unique requirements for adults aged 80. At present, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, their website indicates this process is on hold and the renewal process is fully online (available here: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/driver/senior-driver-licence-renewal-program.shtml)
The MTO has prepared a checklist of questions we should be contemplating (available at http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/publications/pdfs/hows-your-driving.pdf). Do I have difficulty checking my blind spot? Have I had an increasing number of near collisions? Do I have difficulty judging distance or seeing pedestrians?
The Government of Canada has also prepared an online checklist called Thinking about you future? Plan now to Age in Place – A checklist that outlines important considerations for transportation planning beyond driving (available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/seniors/forum/aging-checklist.html). Access to multiple transportation options (e.g., bus or volunteer driving programs) is important for individuals of any age, as is considering the environmental and economic costs associated with each of the options we use.
Finally, the Hamilton Council on Aging will be offering workshops on driving for older adults, which will include the opportunity to self-assess one’s driving skills using a driving simulator as soon as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Please consult the website https://coahamilton.ca for details.
Ruheena Sangrar PhD OT Reg. (Ont.) (she/her) is a Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba and an Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct), Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University. She/he is a member of the Hamilton Council on Aging. For information on the Hamilton Council on Aging or to make a donation, please visit our website at coahamilton.ca
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