When it’s time to hang up the keys, what do you say to an older driver?

If you are an older driver, how do you prepare for the time when being behind the wheel no longer seems the right way to get from place-to-place?

Like many aging issues, including money and long-term care, the discussion about the need to stop driving is not an easy one.  Beyond the practical issues of how you get where you need to go, there are the psychological issues of giving up some of your independence.  And just think of how many times a story begins… when I was driving my (name favorite car); or, we all piled into the (name favorite car) for the trip of our life. 

It’s part of the American love affair with the automobile. and no wonder it is so hard to give up.

During holiday gatherings there is often heightened awareness of this issue as we see, for the first time, some diminished ability of an older loved one to drive safely.  Sometimes, it’s just making slight changes in driving behaviors. Other times it’s finding a way to have the discussion about moving from driver to passengerto avert a serious accident.

The good news is that there are lots of resources available to help you or your loved one make the transition from driver to passenger.  And the more pre-planning you do, the easier the transition can be.

Whether for yourself or an older driver, here are resources that can help you plan for the day when you won’t be driving to helping an older driver make the transition from driver to passenger.

          How to Help an Older Driver AAA Foundation

          Hartford resources:  Family Conversations with Older Drivers and Driving and Dementia

         National Highway Traffic Safety Administration- Older Driver Information and Articles

And here are some tips for making the transition from driver to passenger for those with dementia. 

The Hartford, MIT AgeLab and Boston University

One couple I spoke with recently talked about putting the cash from the sale of their car and the amount they would have paid for auto insurance into a “transportation account.”  They tapped those funds for transportation services and cabs to get where they needed to go, allowing them to retain a sense of independence and less reliance on family and friends.

Others include transportation service as a key part of their requirements for relocating,  knowing that easy access to a bus or van service can keep them mobile.

Do you have a story to share or a tip that’s worked in helping an older driver make the transition?

Airfares are going up for the holidays.  So if you are planning to travel better get those reservations made soon.  If you see a price that looks good, book it.  With fewer planes in the air, seats will be more limited than during past holiday seasons.  When you compare prices, make sure you add up all the extras – checking a bag, a reserved seat, food on the plane etc.

 If you’re a fan of Elerhostel trips start looking for them under the new name Exploritas.  The group announced a new name and a new policy on age – lifting restrictions and including anyone over the age of 21.  The organization says they are not going after young adults, but are rather opening up the possibility for more families and friends of different generations to travel together.  “ Elderhostel has been, and Exploritas will continue to be, a program created for and attractive to older, primarily retired adults,” says President James Moses.  See what you think at Exploritas.  

 Mother-in-law Day is October 25 (really!) and the travel industry has responded with special travel packages.  This USA Today article lists three packages.

As summer winds down, it can be a perfect time for baby boomers ,empty nesters and retirees to head out on vacation.  With gas prices moderating and hotel and travel deals abundant, it doesn’t have to break the budget.

 Check out travel discount sites for special rates on hotels, resorts, cruises and escorted tours.  If you are a member of AAA  or AARP  or Costco   you’ll find some specials through their websites.  If you’re looking for a fall beach rental, you’ll also find special rates on more properties than usual. 

If there is a particular hotel or resort you’ve been angling to stay at, this might be the year.  Call the property directly and ask what special rates or deals are available.  The more flexible you can be around dates, the better chance you have to land a deal that works for  your budget, too.

 Looking for an “all American” vacation?  USA Today lists 10 places to find true Americana   The Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival in October sounds like the perfect thing to lift the spirits!