A common point of conflict for seniors and their loved ones is determining when it’s time to put away the keys and stop driving. Most seniors strive to maintain some semblance of independence, and this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Seniors who retain a higher level of independence tend to be both healthier and happier. Senior emergency alert systems can help provide them with a higher level of confidence and peace of mind.

Staying Safe on the Road

For many seniors, driving a car is an important part of being independent and self-sufficient. Unfortunately, the both mental and physical health issues many seniors face make it much more difficult for them to safely operate a motor vehicle. Seniors who want to stay driving as long as possible should follow these tips to do so safely.

• Have regular health, vision, and hearing checkups. If you wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, make sure to have your vision checked at least once a year to ensure that your prescription hasn’t changed. Seniors should have wellness checks with a physician at least once a year, to screen for any health problems that could impact their ability to drive safely.
• Take a senior driving safety course. AARP offers driving safety courses both online and in-person for older adults who want to stay safely on the road. Some car insurance companies will also offer you a discount on your premium for taking these courses.
• Only drive in good weather conditions. Especially if your vision is deteriorating, avoid driving at night, in the rain, or in periods of high traffic. Also, avoid distractions such as the radio, talking on a cellphone, or eating while you drive to improve concentration.

Safety First: Senior Emergency Alert Systems

Whether you still drive or not, seniors are at a greater risk for falling or otherwise sustaining serious injuries during daily activities. Senior emergency alert systems can help alleviate the anxiety of seniors and their loved ones by ensuring help is always just the press of a button away. These wearable devices allow a senior to simply press a button to be connected to an operator or emergency services, and have a variety of additional features to help keep you safe and healthy, including incidents that can occur while operating a vehicle. To pick the senior emergency alert system that’s best for you, check out our product reviews for more information.