[The old person in road traffic].

Area of Science:

• Geriatrics
• Traffic Safety
• Gerontology

Context:

• Increasing mobility and demographic shifts among older adults are leading to a rise in elderly drivers.
• Road traffic safety depends on the interplay of visual, motor, and cognitive functions, which can decline with age.
• Age-related physiological changes, multimorbidity, and medication present unique challenges for older drivers.

Purpose:

• To examine the role of older adults in road traffic from a geriatrics standpoint.
• To identify challenges and potential solutions for maintaining mobility and safety in elderly drivers.
• To discuss the implications of age-related functional changes on driving capabilities.

Summary:

• The number of older adults involved in road traffic is increasing due to demographic changes and higher mobility.
• Age-related declines in visual, motor, and cognitive functions, compounded by multimorbidity and medications, can affect driving ability.
• Strategies exist to compensate for functional losses, balancing the need for older adult mobility with overall traffic safety.

Impact:

• Highlights the need for a geriatric approach to address the complexities of older adults in traffic.
• Informs strategies for healthcare professionals and policymakers to support safe mobility for the aging population.
• Emphasizes the societal challenge of ensuring traffic safety while preserving independence for older individuals.