The golden journey of aging brings new life events and changes, which can be both exciting and challenging. For many seniors, deciding when to stop driving is a pivotal moment in this next chapter of their lives.
But it’s not uncommon to feel like hanging up your car keys symbolizes a loss of freedom or the ability to explore the world. However, thanks to low-cost senior transportation services like GoGoGrandparent, you don’t have to lose your independence when you choose to stop driving.
In fact, senior transportation alternatives can make your life even easier and more carefree. In this article, we’ll explore the signs to help you know when to stop driving and the senior transportation alternatives that will make your car-free lifestyle exciting, freeing, and fun.
Signs when to stop driving
The decision of when to stop driving is a complex and emotional one. If you’ve been driving for decades, you might feel hesitant to give up the keys, fearing a loss of autonomy. But prioritizing safety and health should always be your number one priority.
Here are some indications it’s time to consider other senior transportation services:
- Vision changes: If your vision has worsened, your eye doctor might recommend you stop driving, especially at night.
- Hearing changes: Hearing is an important part of safe driving, and certain types of hearing loss may require hearing aids or a change in transportation options.
- Arthritis and chronic pain: Driving is more physically taxing than it seems, and driving with chronic pain can be a challenge. If you have difficulty gripping the steering wheel, turning your head to check blind spots, or hitting the brakes without foot or ankle pain, you should consider seeking senior transportation alternatives.
- Changes in cognitive health: Cognitive abilities play a role in seniors and driving. Memory lapses, confusion, and difficulty concentrating can impair decision-making and lead to slower reaction times. If you find yourself getting lost in familiar areas, forgetting your route, or losing concentration on the road, it’s time to consider more hassle-free senior transportation services.
- More accidents: If you’ve been having more accidents recently, even just a few nicks and dings on the car, you might consider using a professional driver through GoGoGrandparent.
- More traffic violations: More traffic tickets or warnings may also be an indication for seniors and driving concerns. Frequent close calls and traffic violations shouldn’t be overlooked.
- Medication side effects: Many prescriptions affect driving abilities. If any of your medications cause drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired coordination, you should talk to your doctor about switching drugs or opting for senior transportation alternatives.
- Concerns from loved ones: Your friends and family may notice when to stop driving before you do. If your family members, friends, or neighbors have expressed concerns about you driving, it’s time to start having open and honest conversations about finding new senior transportation alternatives.
If you’re unsure when to stop driving, chat with your primary care physician. Be honest with them about your and your family’s concerns due to physical health or lifestyle changes. Healthcare professionals can conduct assessments to determine whether it’s safe for you to continue driving, and they can help collaborate with you to find alternative senior transportation solutions.
Benefits of knowing when to stop driving
Choosing when to stop driving is not a loss of freedom. While giving up the keys can be emotional at first, it doesn’t have to mean giving up your independence or mobility. Transitioning from driving to using senior transportation services can open doors to so many lifestyle and wellness benefits.
- You can sit back and enjoy the ride without dealing with the stress of being behind the wheel, like navigating traffic, parking, weather, and crowds.
- Letting a professional drive offers greater safety and peace of mind. GoGo Guardians screen all drivers to ensure the utmost professionalism and reliability.
- Maintaining a vehicle can be expensive, from fuel and maintenance to registration and insurance premiums. For many people, senior transportation services offer significant financial savings.
- Senior transportation alternatives are a great way to find more social connection and community engagement by staying connected with local goings-on and meeting drivers and other riders along your route.
- Transitioning to shared transportation makes a positive environmental impact by reducing the number of cars on the road.
- Senior transportation services are designed with the needs of older adults in mind, accommodating mobility aids, providing door-to-door assistance, offering flexible scheduling, and more.
Embracing the transition from driving to senior transportation services can be a positive shift towards a more enriched and fulfilling way of living with newfound freedom, opportunities, and excitement.
Options for senior transportation services
Senior transportation services play a vital role in ensuring seniors remain connected to the community even after they stop driving. Some of the senior transportation alternatives you can consider include:
- Rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft, or local taxis (check out these safety tips while using rideshare)
- GoGoRides, an affordable, easy, and convenient alternative to traditional ridesharing
- Specialized senior transportation programs from senior centers to grocery stores, medical appointments, and other essential errands
- Public transportation, like buses and trains, many of which have accessibility options and offer discounted or free fares for seniors
- Community volunteer programs that offer senior transportation assistance to doctor’s offices, social events, and community activities
- Family members, a great opportunity to connect with loved ones
Learn more about the pros and cons of these senior transportation alternatives here.
Why GoGoGrandparent is the top choice for senior transportation
GoGoGrandparent’s Rides are the preferred option for many seniors, and here’s why.
- No smartphone needed: Just dial a phone number and book a rideshare directly with one of our friendly operators.
- 24/7 concierge service: Our GoGo Guardians offer around-the-clock assistance, supporting you whenever you need transportation, so you can have peace of mind in your travels.
- Curb-to-curb assistance: You can be picked up and dropped off right at the curb of your location, whether it’s a medical appointment, grocery store, or social gathering. No need to walk to or wait at bus stops.
- Family Features: GoGoGrandparent offers a Family Features platform that provides real-time updates about your journey, offering peace of mind to you and your loved ones.
- Vehicle filtering: GoGo can filter vehicles based on your preferences, whether you need a smaller car that’s easier to access or a larger vehicle like an SUV. We work to ensure your ride is comfortable and tailored to your mobility needs, but we do not offer specialized cars.
- Affordable pricing: GoGo’s transparent and affordable pricing structure is a fantastic alternative to the cost of maintaining a personal vehicle, letting you spend your money on things that matter most to you.
- Supporting independence: By offering a reliable and accessible senior transportation solution, GoGoGrandparent supports you in maintaining your independence and autonomy without the headache and hassle of driving.
Learn more about GoGo Rides here.
When to stop driving
Knowing when to stop driving requires careful consideration and prioritizing your safety on and off the road. Thanks to the growing availability of senior transportation services, you can lead a free, fulfilling life long after retiring from the driver’s seat.
Let GoGo Rides take you where you need to go. With reliable transportation, user-friendly operators, 24/7 support, and an ongoing commitment to safety and independence, GoGo helps you live your golden years to the fullest. Register for GoGoGrandparent now to get started.
