To drive or not to drive: How seniors can stay active without a car

For most of us, driving is second nature. We’ve been doing it for many years. But have you ever stopped to think about all the skills that come into play every time you get behind the wheel? Driving requires you to coordinate the movements of your hands, feet, eyes and ears. Plus, it requires constant decision-making as you react to other vehicles, traffic signals, and everything else happening on busy streets and highways.

As you get older, you and your family members may start thinking about when it’s time to “turn in your keys.” More than just a matter of age—it’s a question of whether you’re experiencing changes in vision, hearing, physical fitness, or reflexes that could cause safety concerns.

How to assess your driving skills
Driving Safely While Aging Gracefully is a resource offered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that includes a self-assessment and tips to help you remain a safe driver. This is a great first step in determining whether you want to (or should) continue to drive.

It’s also important to note that the California Department of Motor Vehicles does not take away your driver license when you reach a certain age. However, all drivers age 70 or older must renew their driver license in person at a DMV office.

The positive side of not driving
Adjusting to life without a vehicle can be challenging at first. However, once you adjust to the change, you might be surprised that choosing not to drive can actually be freeing. You no longer have to worry about driving on busy roads. Plus, you eliminate the expense and hassles of maintaining your own vehicle.

In order to make the adjustment easier, it’s important to have plenty of options in place to get where you want to go. That way, you’re not in a bind trying to schedule a ride when you have to be somewhere important.

How Aldersly makes it easy to stay mobile—even if you don’t drive
Your list of places to go includes everything from doctor’s appointments—to clubs, church and volunteer activities—to social gatherings with family and friends. Aldersly makes it easy to get everywhere you need to go through a combination of options.

Our comfortable Aldersly shuttle offers convenient door-to-door transportation:

• Weekly shuttle to Montecito Plaza for shopping and services
• Weekly shuttle to library
• Scheduled transportation for shopping and appointments
• Special outings to culinary and cultural events throughout Marin County and San Francisco

Plus, our excellent location in San Rafael is within easy walking distance of Whole Foods, Peet’s Coffee, CVS, and Montecito Plaza. We’re also just a short cab ride to the SMART San Rafael Downtown Station, offering convenient service throughout Marin and Sonoma Counties.

Aldersly residents can contact our front desk to order a ride from the rideshare app, Lyft. Our receptionist handles all the details—making this an easy way for residents to get wherever they want to go.

Because of these available services, seniors who choose not to drive can continue their active lifestyle at Aldersly—with freedom to easily come and go as they please. For full details about the active, independent lifestyle at Aldersly, call (415) 432-7047 to schedule a consultation and tour.