By Christine Whitmarsh, RN, BSN
It is the perfect blend of fact and fiction. Are older drivers (senior, mature, etc.) more of an on-the-road risk than their younger counterparts? The facts show that, yes, body functions such as reflexes, vision, hearing, flexibility, range of motion and mental acuity naturally decline with age. Research largely supports these facts of life. However, some overactive younger imaginations make all older drivers into highway menaces. Wherever the truth lies in the health spectrum for each senior driver, an event called “CarFit” has been developed by the American Society on Aging and is sponsored by the AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association. The program assesses and assists older drivers in maintaining their driving health.
Occupational therapists and traveling occupational therapists looking for an opportunity to assist mature drivers play a lead role in CarFit events throughout the country. First, the therapists complete a 12-point checklist that assesses the driver’s overall driving health and identities potential risk factors that may affect driving. Participating occupational therapists then teach older drivers techniques to strengthen their driving abilities such as properly adjusting head restraints and seatbelts, assessing flexibility to turn sideways while backing up, and proper positioning of rear and side view mirrors. Older drivers are also instructed on the proper use of their vehicle’s safety features. Finally, the CarFit occupational therapists refer senior drivers to local fitness, nutrition and other community programs, based on their individual needs.
Traffic and driving demands are steadily increasing due to an increasing population, more driver distractions, faster speeds and other factors that can be daunting to any driver, let alone seniors struggling with declining driving health. Occupational therapists and travel occupational therapists can play a key role in helping their older clients manage these challenges and stay safe on the road.
For more information on CarFit: www.car-fit.org
Christine Whitmarsh is a Registered Nurse with a BSN from the University of Rhode Island. She is a freelance health journalist and medical writer and a contributor to Travel Nurse Source and Allied Travel Careers.
Tags: AARP, occupational therapy careers, travel occupational therapy
