AAA: prepare for the “silver tsunami”

RBC I The first wave of America’s baby boomers turning 65 this year will be driving the “silver tsunami” says the American Automobile Association (AAA). According to the U.S. Census Bureau, this segment of the population will increase by 75 percent over the next two decades. Research has shown that people today live an average of about 7–10 years beyond their safe driving ability. AAA Colorado is promoting Older Driver Safety Awareness Week to help senior drivers and their families start the conversation about driving options.
In less than 10 years, one in four licensed drivers will be age 65 and older, which means that millions of American families will be working through the challenge of an older adult’s driving ability.
n Is it safe for them to continue driving?
n Are there tools to help them be safer?
n How do we know when it’s time to hang up the keys?
n What options exist when they can no longer drive?
AAA’s senior driver safety and mobility website SeniorDriving.AAA.com provides expert advice and research–based tools for senior drivers and their families. Tools on the site are designed to aid in prompting conversations, assessing abilities and improving the comfort and safety of older drivers.
Conversations about safe driving can evoke strong emotional reactions as concerns about personal independence and managing other day-to-day activities may come into question. AAA encourages seniors and their families to approach these sensitive conversations as opportunities for constructive communication and problem solving.
AAA Colorado has more than 550,000 members and is an advocate for safety and security for all travelers. As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 52 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive related services, as well as member exclusive savings.