The ability to travel around town, going where we want or need to go whenever we need or choose to, is a freedom that most of us enjoy. We take for granted that we can hop on a bus, hail a taxi, or slip behind the wheel of a car to drive whenever we please. But for a growing portion of the elderly population, once routine outings such as going to the grocery store, the library, or even to the mall for shopping or a movie now present daily challenges. As we age, driving may no longer be an option for many of us, and we need to find other methods for getting to and from our daily activities.

The Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) estimates that there are 26 million elderly Americans who depend on others for their mobility. With the aging of the baby boom population, that number will only grow in coming years. By 2030, the number of older drivers aged 85 and over will be four to five times greater than today, according to the CTAA.

Many older people are reluctant to stop driving, even though CTAA statistics predict that elderly traffic fatalities will triple by the year 2030. For most seniors the ability to drive not only signals their independence, but also serves as an essential means of preserving identity. In most locales a driver’s license is the most widely accepted form of identification. Therefore, to give up one’s driver’s license is akin not only to relinquishing independence and freedom of mobility, but also to loss of self-esteem and power.

Deciding Not to Drive
Despite these concerns among older drivers, physical conditions associated with the aging process may make safe driving impossible. Drivers noticing a decline in their vision or finding that they have restricted physical mobility need to reconsider the decision to continue driving. In addition, friends and family of elderly drivers should be alert to signs of confusion or other sensory impairment that might make their loved ones unsafe on the road. Although some elderly drivers will recognize that their skills have declined, others might not notice the changes or may be reluctant to admit to them.

Friends and family also need understand that, even though older relatives grasp that they should no longer sit behind the wheel of a car, they might continue to do so because they are unaware of other travel options. Many do not want to burden their families by asking for rides, yet, relying on others for rides (ridesharing) is a common alternative used by the elderly. Family members should try to find simple ways to make their older passengers feel at ease about asking for rides.

Making the decision not to drive definitely alters an older person’s daily routine and habits, but need not signal an end to independence. Senior citizens should be made aware of the many options that exist for them in their own communities since available alternatives may differ tremendously depending on where the older person lives.

Finding and Paying for Appropriate Transportation
When selecting a system of transportation, you must take into account a variety of factors. Do you live in a rural or urban community? Do you have medical needs that require consideration when providing transportation? What economic resources can be allocated to fulfill your transportation needs? Transportation does not have to be expensive, and insurance will sometimes cover the cost, especially if the trip is for medical purposes. Nonetheless, like many things in America, the best and most convenient alternatives are likely to be the most costly.