Driving is a source of independence for many adults, regardless of age, enabling them to get around without having to rely on others. As we get older, driving allows us to participate in activities and social events we love. While there are many positive benefits to staying connected, statistics also show that older adults have a higher risk of getting into motor vehicle accidents. Changes in health conditions that are more common with age can affect driving ability. So how do you know when it’s time to hang up the keys? Scientific evidence suggests that not being able to perform a seemingly quick and simple task, such as drawing a clock, is linked to one's ability to drive a car. The most effective way to determine your eligibility is an in-person renewal. If you, or someone you know should be reassessed, consider a formal driving evaluation to determine whether you’re fit for the road.
How to know when it’s time to hang up the keys
Featured Resources
- Blog Post: How do we know when it’s time for someone to hang up the car keys?
- Blog Post: What does drawing clocks have to do with driving cars? Tests of cognitive skills that can flag older drivers who may be unsafe behind the wheel
- Evidence Summary: Driving-cessation support groups can help drivers with dementia who lost their driving privileges
DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).
Many of our Blog Posts were written before the COVID-19 pandemic and thus do not necessarily reflect the latest public health recommendations. While the content of new and old blogs identify activities that support optimal aging, it is important to defer to the most current public health recommendations. Some of the activities suggested within these blogs may need to be modified or avoided altogether to comply with changing public health recommendations. To view the latest updates from the Public Health Agency of Canada, please visit their website.
Our Content
About
Support for the Portal is largely provided by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. AGE-WELL is a contributing partner. Help us to continue to provide direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions to help you stay healthy, active and engaged as you grow older. Donate Today.
