NIH offers online advice for older drivers

While many older people continue to drive safely into their 70s and beyond, age-related changes including declines in vision and hearing plus slower reaction times can impact driving ability. Certain health conditions and medications can also affect driving skills in older people, says the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

To alert older people about how aging can affect driving abilities, the NIH recently added the topic "Older Drivers" to its NIHSeniorHealth online guide to health and wellness. Among other things, the new resource offer safety tips and suggestions about choosing the safest travel lanes, braking, making left turns and advice on adjusting driving habits to compensate for physical problems or health changes.

For complete information, visit www.nihseniorhealth.gov and click on Health Topics A-Z, then click on "O" for Older Drivers.