Restrict an Older Driver? Here's Guidance

David Sucsy/David Sucsy

Are you concerned about an aging parent’s driving? If you live near Manchester, expert guidance is coming Sept. 15 at a free AARP New Hampshire seminar.

Veteran presenter Charlie Zoeller, from Derry, said he plans to focus on three topics: understanding what driving means to people, including emotionally; observing a loved one’s skills objectively; and learning to initiate “the talk.”

Zoeller, an AARP volunteer, said if safety requires restricting or ending someone’s driving, family members need to understand how that could affect their relative’s self-esteem and sense of independence. They also need to help plan ways to maintain the person’s independence and ability to get around.

The seminar, called “We Need to Talk,” uses research from The Hartford insurance company and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s AgeLab.

The seminars are certain to become more popular as the proportion of older drivers increases. Roughly 18 percent of the licensed drivers in the nation are 65 or older, up from 14 percent in 2000. Projections show that 1 in 5 drivers will be 65 or older by 2025.

The seminar is open to all and includes a light meal. It will be Thursday, Sept. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Puritan Backroom, 245 Hooksett Road. Members, guests and others can register at aarp.cvent.com/DrivingManchester2016.
—Joe Magruder