Don’t let getting older stop you from driving

Provided your reactions, hearing and eyesight are still good there is no reason why you should not continue to drive well into old age. Driving equals freedom, so it is a skill and right you do not want to lose before you have to.

If you follow the tips we have pulled together here, you should be able to continue driving your favourite car for many more years. Most of our suggestions are simple and inexpensive to follow.

Purchase a reserved parking sign

As they age, a lot of people struggle with having to walk long distances. If you are lucky enough to have a driveway, garage or designated parking space outside your home you want to be sure that you can use it. Putting up a private driveway or reserved parking sign like the ones you can buy from this website, will help to ensure that will be the case.

Making other motorists aware that the space outside your home is reserved will put most of them off of parking there. Before you order your sign, just be sure to find out what the rules say about putting this type of signage up. In some places, there are restrictions on what you can say on the sign.

Stay active

To drive safely, you need to be reasonably strong and have a good range of movement. So, make sure that you exercise regularly to maintain your physical health, as much as possible.

If you have a stiff neck that stops you from looking back as much as you would like, when parking, try physiotherapy. Often, this will loosen things up to the point where you will be able to turn your head a bit more.

Of course, if restricted movement is negatively affecting your ability to drive safely you should stop driving. At least until you find a solution to your problem.

Investigate adaptations

If you are unable to regain the full range of movement you need, see if you can use an adapted vehicle instead. Often, there is a simple solution available. For example, extra mirrors that have been strategically placed can help to generate the necessary field of vision. So, not being able to turn your head fully does not always mean that you cannot continue to drive. The same is true if a stroke leaves you without the full use of your legs, hands or arms. It is now relatively easy to retrofit a car, so that it can be driven by someone with virtually any physical impairment.

If you want to learn more about how vehicles can be adapted for older people and drivers with disabilities you can do so by visiting the Motability website. It is a UK site, but most of the adaptations you will be able to research there are also legal in other countries.

Drive within your limitations

It is important for any driver to know their limitations and stay within them. As you age, take note of what you can and what you cannot do. If driving for more than an hour leads to debilitating stiffness get someone else to drive you on longer journeys.

Using the above tips will help you stay independent. Importantly, none of them involves your having to give up your favourite car and buy another one.