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Safe driving practices in seniors not just an individual effort – Communities need to get on board
posted: Tuesday, June 22, 2010
June 22, 2010 (Ottawa, ON) - The population over 65 years of age is expected to triple over the next 20 years. Nearly 60,000 Canadians over 70 years of age stop driving each year and unfortunately, few ever plan ahead in preparation of driving retirement, which presents a significant social issue. Driving retirement is currently associated with a decrease in both personal mobility and participation in out-of home activities, along with increased depressive symptoms. But whose problem is this? Family, caregivers and healthcare professionals all play an important role, but communities need to realize that their role is just as important.
The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) has responded to this social concern by issuing the National Blueprint of Injury Prevention in Older Drivers, a national strategy that aims to help older drivers make informed decisions about when it is time to plan their driving retirement, enroll in a driver refreshment course or seek the help of an occupational therapist who can recommend adaptations to their vehicles, such as mirror or steering wheel adjustments, common among individuals recovering from a stroke. As part of the Blueprint, CAOT has also released resources including a series of information brochures and website (www.olderdriversafety.ca ) promoting older driver safety. However, it takes more than the help of occupational therapists to ensure this problem is properly addressed – communities need to respond as well.
“While the ability to drive may no longer be an option, all members of a community have the right to some form of transportation and should lobby for access to cost-effective and accessible transportation services,” says Dr. Claudia von Zweck, Executive Director, CAOT. “Communities are becoming more aware of this growing concern and are exploring transportation alternatives such as; public transit, community shuttles, taxis, specialized transit for seniors, volunteer drivers and community rideshare groups – efforts that we are pleased to see and hope continue.”
It is recommended that older drivers become familiar and comfortable with alternative transportation in their region. If alternative transportation methods are not available, older drivers and their families should consider contacting their regional government or seniors organizations. Together they might be able to establish new services in their community.
David Dunne, Director of Road Safety for the British Columbia Automobile Association’s Traffic Safety Foundation says that while we must recognize that driving is a privilege that comes with significant responsibilities, at the same time, we need to ensure that people maintain their right to mobility when they begin to experience physical and cognitive challenges and can no longer drive.
“We need to be sensitive to the needs of seniors, and this means that our communities, our regulations, and our services need to be oriented to their particular needs,” says Dunne. “Without effective alternatives in place, we will degrade the quality of life for a growing segment of the Canadian population.”
Individuals, families, caregivers, service providers, businesses, communities, planners, policy makers, governments and healthcare professionals must all be engaged in creating solutions to ensure individuals age with dignity and freedom. Older adults must be prepared to understand what driving retirement entails and familiarize themselves with the alternatives available to maintain their mobility and independence.
About the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)
CAOT is the national non-profit professional organization that certifies and represents more than 12,000 occupational therapists. As a professional group occupational therapists are concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation, in the workplace at home and recreation. For more information on occupational therapy or to download the Older Driver Blueprint, visit www.caot.ca. To find an occupational therapist in your community, visit www.otworks.ca and click on OT Finder.
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For more information, please contact:
Cheryl Evans
Communications Coordinator
613-523-2268 ext. 225
cevans@caot.ca