Elderly patients behind the wheel
Fastenmeier, W.; Gstalter, H.; Eggerdinger, C.; Galsterer, H.
MMW Fortschritte der Medizin 147(40): 40
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 1438-3276 PMID: 16255515 Document Number: 590974
Elderly drivers exhibit typical deficits when called upon to deal with complicated traffic situations. These are based on psychophysical limitations associated with old age, multimorbidity, and potential undesired drug interactions. Of particular importance in such situations are critical self-reflection with regard to perceived deficits, and a qualified evaluation bythe physician of any reduction in competence that is of relevance to road safety. However, many patients ignore illness- or age-related deteriorations in performance. In such cases, neutral and low-level preventive counseling and training options that can be integrated into the medical counseling process may be effective.