Driving is the ultimate instrumental activity of daily living (IADL), requiring high-level visual skills, upper and lower extremity coordination, and ability to mentally and physically multitask in a split second. As physicians, we assess elderly patients for dementia, visual and hearing impairments, alcohol use, balance and gait stability, and falls risk. For our seniors who drive, we must also use performance tests to evaluate driving skills. My approach to office-based assessment of driving skills uses performance tests for: contrast and vision, response time, general fitness, foot and arm movement, head and neck flexibility, and mental status. Many of these tests, which can be easily administered and scored, are described in a pamphlet titled, “Driving safely as you get older: A personal guide.” Results are helpful for older adults in assessing whether to continue to drive or to seek help to overcome physical limitations that may impact driving. (Author/publisher)
Abstract