The evaluation of mental fitness of elderly to drive motor vehicles: recommendation for general practitioners (GP)

Overview

This article is devoted to the issue of mobility and its safety in elderly people. Particularly their health and mental fitness for driving motor vehicles will be taken into consideration, complemented by the evaluation of this fitness by general practitioners (GP). The main aspect of focus is the evaluation of their mental ability to drive as it is one of the requirements for elderly and part of the health examination. There are two points of view; on one hand it is necessary to ensure the safety of the elderly driver and the society, but the quality of their lives which can be radically reduces, on the other hand. During evaluation of their mental fitness, complex attitude as well as considering any other relevant circumstances is needed. According to the demographic development, the group of elderly drivers has been growing while the future predictions promise the same result. In future the needs of elderly drivers might differ – they are expected to be more active with aspiration of keeping the high mobility until senior age. The focus of this article is the recommendation for GP regarding to mental fitness to driving as a part of the health ability to drive in elderly people.