Have you discussed how driving personal vehicles and using other modes of transportation can complement each other? What has your community done to help older adults transition from driving by simultaneously using more than one mode?
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Idea#19
Have you discussed how driving personal vehicles and using other modes of transportation can complement each other? What has your community done to help older adults transition from driving by simultaneously using more than one mode?
Comments (13)
In Ithaca, NY (Tompkins County), we hold a series of Retiring from Driving workshops that present all of the options available in the county. We also focus on the theme "It's not all or nothing", and encourage drivers to use their entire transportation bundle instead of relying on just one form of transportation.
Do you discuss the concept of a "semi-retired" driver - one that drives to certain easy destinations, certain times of day, etc. I think that would be a helpful. And I think "Retiring from Driving" is a much better workshop title than "Giving up the Keys" or some others I've heard. People accept the concept of retirement and making that comparison may make it easier to swallow. "Planning for Retirement" is an accepted concept, so maybe "Planning for Driving Retirement" would be an easier sell.
Absolutely. We want our older drivers to understand that we aren't there to take away their keys, but to make sure that they are driving as long and safe as they are possible, and when they are ready, they have other options. Also, we make sure to highlight the dangers of driving at night and in inclement weather. I am looking at forming a workshop focusing on the family, which is where the "Planning for Driver Retirement" could be a great, inviting title.
The cover story of this issue of NCST Today might be useful regarding driving retirement:
http://seniortransportation.easterseals.com/site/DocServer/0806_NCST_Today_h2.pdf?docID=71923
I agree- it does not have to be all or nothing. Designing community bus routes that enable older drivers to park and ride at senior centers, shopping centers and other parking locations would help promote this concept.
Ray, is there anything available online about the content or structure of your Retiring from Driving workshop?
Unfortunately, there is not. We are in the process of updating our website... www.way2goinfo.org. and this information hasn't been added yet. I have some materials though (mainly a brochure) that I can e-mail you if you are interested.
A recent NYT article - "A Contract to Stop Driving" discusses the concept of a "family driving agreement." The older driver sets up an agreement with a relative to notify him/her when it may be best to stop driving or drive with restrictions. By signing this agreement (with witnesses' signatures), the older driver pledges to follow the recommendations. Worked with other approaches, such as training workshops, driving assessments, mobility counseling, and other tools, it could be a conversation starter for families and older drivers about transition and consideration of non-driving modes of transportation.
Maryland DMV is a model. They assess functionality of the applicant at license renewal time - all applicants regardless of age - and refer some for further assessment - often by an occupational therapist.
Steve, Thanks for raising point that "functionality" not a driver's age alone is the important issue in licensing drivers.
I just entered my thoughts on using taxis as an alternative for seniors
See my comment added today about training seniors to use alternative forms of transportation - including taxis where appropriate. This I bekieve is one of our major challenges in the next 5-10 years.
Check out AARP's free online seminar Family Conversations with Older Drivers--We Need to Talk at www.aarp.org/weneedtotalk