He still knows his route by heart, handles his car like he did when he was 30 years old... And yet, a doubt crosses your mind. What if driving becomes a risk for him – or for others? After the age of 70, certain natural changes in the body can compromise safety behind the wheel. What are the signs to look for? And how do you approach this delicate subject without offending? Here's everything you need to know to keep behind the wheel... in complete safety.Vision: what the eyes no longer see so well
Sight is a bit like the GPS of the brain at the wheel. And with age, the screen can become blurry. Cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration... These somewhat technical names refer to eye disorders that are common after the age of 70. As a result, the panels are less readable, the contrasts disappear, and the night lights dazzle like cinema projectors.
Does:
A check-up with the ophthalmologist once a year is the basis. If in doubt, an update of the eyeglass correction or a limitation of driving to daylight hours may be sufficient. But sometimes it's better to leave the keys... and treat yourself to a good taxi for more peace of mind.
Memory and reflexes: when the brain slows down a little
Forgetting your route? Too slow a reaction to an orange light? These are not always careless mistakes. Cognitive aging can lead to memory loss, difficulty making quick decisions, and even confusion on the road.
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What you need to know:
Alzheimer's disease or other forms of cognitive impairment can reduce the ability to drive safely. It is better to talk about it without taboos with the attending physician. There are simple tests to assess reflexes and concentration.
The heart and circulation: beware of unexpected discomfort
A little temporary vertigo... Who happens at the wheel? Certain cardiovascular pathologies such as heart rhythm disorders or hypertension can cause dizziness, shortness of breath or even fainting.
What helps:
Regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle and appropriate treatments. And above all: learn to listen to yourself. If you don't feel 100%, you leave the car in the garage, guilt-free.
Diabetes: when blood sugar comes to the driver's
seat We don't necessarily think about it, but an episode of hypoglycemia can lead to vision problems, concentration problems, etc. or loss of consciousness. And it can happen very quickly.
The good habit:
Always check your blood sugar before driving, have a snack at hand, and warn your loved ones if you feel faint.
Reduced mobility: moving is (also) safety
Turning the steering wheel, pressing the pedals, looking into blind spots... Driving requires fine coordination. However, osteoarthritis, joint pain or disorders such as Parkinson's disease can limit movement and slow down reactions.
Useful options:
Vehicle adaptations exist (softer steering wheel, automatic gearbox, etc.), as well as rehabilitation or physiotherapy sessions to maintain mobility. But if the gestures become really difficult, it may be time to rethink your mobility differently.
Medications: side effects that blur the senses
Drowsiness, dizziness, decreased vigilance... Some treatments, even common ones, can impair the ability to drive, especially if they are combined with each other.
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