Driving tips to help keep independent

Dear Editor, A recent survey by Independent Age, the older people’s charity, revealed that 44 per cent of Scotland’s drivers aged 70 and over say they’d feel like they’d lost part of their identity if they weren’t able to drive, and for 92 per cent, it would mean a loss of independence.

The survey was commissioned to promote our new, free advice guide, Behind the Wheel: tips for safe and confident driving in later life.

It’s full of tips to help support older drivers, has information on alternatives if they decide to stop driving, and is accompanied by online information for families around how to start difficult conversations about driving.

There are almost five million people over 70 who hold licences in the UK, with more than 100,000 of those over the age of 90.

There are many benefits to continuing to drive into older age and, as long as they remain safe, older people should be able to continue driving for as long as they want to.

It’s also vital that people who are no longer able to drive have access to information on the various options available for getting around without a car.

Independent Age is one of the two charities who provided contributors for ITV’s 100-yearold Driving School; representatives attended the three regional hubs to talk to participating older drivers and their families in research for Behind the Wheel; which is free to download from www. independentage.org/drivingguide or can be ordered free by calling 0800 319 6789.

To make a donation or find out more, visit www.independent age.org.

Lucy Harmer, director of services, Independent Age