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Ageing Drivers: Navigating the Road to Independence
11 Oct
Summary
- Older drivers face shrinking worlds with restricted licenses.
- Aged care transport support is lacking for seniors.
- Driving cessation support for seniors needs improvement.
As Australia's population ages, more than 795,000 drivers were over 80 in 2025, a significant increase from a decade prior. While age doesn't automatically equate to unsafe driving, normal age-related declines in visual and cognitive functions can impact driving safety.
Professor Kaarin Anstey notes that factors like motion perception, visual acuity, and reaction times can decline. For those with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, driving cessation presents challenges, with a recent study highlighting a need for better support from healthcare professionals and clear guidance.
Claire Spargo's research identified key areas for improvement in the driving cessation process: early conversations, provision of information and options, compassionate advice, and support for adjusting to life without driving. Fitness-to-drive assessments are also under review for national consistency.
Practices like gradual conversations about driving limitations, as suggested by Dr. Dimity Pond, can ease the transition. Subsidised on-road assessments and funding for emotional and practical support services are also crucial for seniors losing their independence.
