Learning new tricks for driving after 65

Virginia Lane is a woman on the go.

Every morning, the Franklin Square resident slides behind the wheel of her 2003 Toyota Corolla and drives to Mass. Three days a week, she motors to a nearby fitness center to work out. And every now and then, she cruises across Long Island and to Connecticut to visit her three sons.

At 93 and with more than 70 years of driving in her rearview mirror, Lane has no intention of giving up her keys soon. Yet, realistically, she knows that day may come.

She's already put her sons on notice. "I said to them, 'If you ever see me driving and you don't think I should be, tell me. I'll fight you, but let me know,' " she recalled.

The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that by 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 or older, making that "maybe-it's-time" talk inevitable for many adult children with parents who drive.

It can be a difficult chat for seniors who fear that, as their reflexes slow, senses dim and mental sharpness dulls, they may have to give up driving and, of utmost importance, the independence that goes with it.

With that in mind, AAA New York hosted its first Senior Driver Expo last month at Adelphi University. Lane was among more than 400 who attended the event, where traffic safety and health experts discussed ways older drivers can be safer on the road and keep their keys as long as possible.

"AAA doesn't agree that a license should be taken away solely based on chronological age," says Eileen Beetar, a traffic safety program coordinator with AAA New York. "What's more important than age is their medical history and collision history."

If adult children have concerns about parents driving, it's time to have a supportive but candid discussion. Offer alternatives, Beetar suggested, such as using public transit, taxis or rides with friends. "You don't want to initiate a conversation with a senior telling them they might have to give up their keys without having alternative solutions for them," Beetar said. "They immediately think they won't have any independence if they give up the keys, even if they know they shouldn't be driving."

Experts say there are ways seniors can extend their driving longevity. For example, AAA New York hosts local "CarFit" events to demonstrate vehicle safety features and adjustments mature drivers can make to feel more comfortable and in better control on the road. (For Long Island CarFit events, go to car-fit.org.)

The CarFit demonstration at the AAA expo was a hit. Participants waited for a turn to sit behind the wheel of a 2010 Cadillac, traffic safety specialist Karen Blackburn showed them how to adjust side mirrors to reduce blind spots, position the driver's seat for a better view of the road and hold the steering wheel for better control. Seniors with mobility problems also tried swivel seat cushions and leg-lifter straps to help them swing their legs into the car more easily. (There are several brands available for under $20. Search the Internet for "leg lift strap.")

Garden City resident Tony Rivers, 76, liked a gadget called the Handybar (handybar.com), which fits into the U-shaped striker plate on the car's frame that latches the door and provides something sturdy to hold onto while entering and exiting the vehicle. "I notice a lot of senior citizens always grabbing for the handle above [the window] or slide themselves in the seat so they can lift themselves up," he said. "That gadget is great for getting out of the car."

Seniors wanting to test their roadworthiness have options, too. For example, AAA has a computer-based "Roadwise Review" program they can use with a partner at home. They also can undergo a clinical evaluation conducted by a certified driving rehabilitation specialist or an occupational therapist. (Learn more at aota.org/olderdriver and driver-ed.org.)

In addition to older drivers' having their hearing, vision and blood pressure checked regularly, health professionals also urge them to ask a doctor or pharmacist about all medications they're taking to determine whether those could impair driving. "Use of one medication and multiple medications increases your risk of being in a crash," Beetar said.

Kathleen Golisz, director of the Occupational Therapy Program at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, suggests seniors take walks, play sports or do other physical activities to help maintain strength, flexibility and endurance while driving, as well as to improve chances of survival or recovery after an accident.

Join a book club, do crossword or jigsaw puzzles, learn a new language or play computer games with grandkids, Golisz suggested. "Besides the enjoyment, the mental flexibility and quick thinking may help your driving."

However, if the time comes to take the keys away, sensitivity and understanding are key to helping older parents make the transition from driver to nondriver. For example, don't take away the license - let it expire, Beetar said. And park the car where your parent can see it. Use it to drive mom or dad to doctor's appointments and on errands. "Seeing the car in its regular spot helps ease the transition to a nondriving lifestyle," she explained. "Maybe a month after giving up the keys, you can sit down with the senior and talk about putting an ad in the paper."

If that time comes for Lane, she has her Plan B in place: she'll take taxis. "I would never let it bother me because, at that point, if I stop driving I'm not having to pay a car payment, I'm not paying for gas, I'm not paying for car insurance," she reasoned. "I would find some means of going where I want to go."

For more tips and advice, visit aaaseniors.com or aaany.com and click on "safety."