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Age-Related Diseases and Driving Safety
Michael Falkenstein1, Melanie Karthaus2, Ute Brüne-Cohrs3
1Institute for Work Learning and Aging (ALA), Hiltroper Landwehr 136, 44805 Bochum, Germany.
Geriatrics (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 22, 2020
Summary
As the elderly population grows, maintaining driving fitness is crucial for independence. This review examines how age-related diseases and medications impact older drivers
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- The global population is aging, leading to an increased number of older drivers.
- Driving is essential for elderly independence but relies on cognitive and motor skills that decline with age.
- Age-related diseases and their treatments can further impair driving safety in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of age-related diseases and their pharmacological treatments on driving fitness in the elderly.
- To identify key health conditions and medications affecting elderly drivers' safety.
- To provide recommendations for physicians managing older patients' driving capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review focusing on age-related diseases and driving.
- Analysis of the effects of specific conditions (neurological, sensory, cardiovascular, etc.) on driving ability.
- Evaluation of functional tests, driving simulators, real-traffic assessments, and clinical interviews for fitness assessment.
Main Results:
- Age-related functional decline, potentiated by diseases like stroke, dementia, and diabetes, significantly affects driving.
- Medications for these conditions can have side effects that compromise driving safety.
- Polypharmacy presents an additional risk factor for impaired driving in older adults.
Conclusions:
- Driving fitness in the elderly is a complex issue influenced by health status and medication.
- Comprehensive assessment including clinical evaluation and functional testing is necessary.
- Physicians play a vital role in evaluating and advising older patients on driving safety.
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