National

An older loved one with Alzheimer’s? If you are a family caregiver and have questions or just need to talk, consider reaching out to the Caregiver Help Desk.

You can make a real difference for your family members, friends and coworkers who are caring for others. On National Caregivers Day, Feb. 17 this year, let them know you get it: You see what they are doing, and you honor and value them.

Older drivers face unique safety concerns including vision, reflexes, and physical fitness. We have materials to help guide the discussion with older drivers, and children and caregivers of aging adults.

Many assets are available in English and Spanish. Share this information with partner organizations to help spread the message across all communities.

During this week we explore options and choices for clients when “life happens,” affecting driving and mobility and occupational therapy’s response to these changes.

The number of adults 65 and older increased by 29% between 2012 and 2021 in the United States.

For older adults, mobility is essential to staying engaged, active, and independent, experts say, and many of them continue to be active drivers on the nation's roads.

But in 2021, nearly 7,500 people in that age group were killed in traffic crashes, accounting for 17% of all traffic fatalities.

While no U.S. states require drivers to give up their car keys at a certain age, state licensing agencies do have regulations to keep older drivers on the road safely. That includes measures to determine whether drivers can still renew their licenses at all.

​So what do you need to know when yours is about to expire? ​​

​There are ways to gauge whether you can still safely drive, and transportation alternatives if you need to delegate driving.

Driving is one of the greatest symbols of independence and control we enjoy. So just how do you know when your parents should stop driving?

This book was designed as part of a Department of Design course at The Ohio State University in the Spring of 2017. The project was a blend of graduates and residents at the Ohio Living Westminsterthurber community center. 

The subject of driving for elders can get quite emotional. It is a symbol of independence and freedom. It can also be increasingly dangerous as we age.