He still knows his route by heart, handles his car like he did at 30… and yet, you can’t shake the feeling. What if driving has become risky for him — or for others?

After age 70, certain natural changes in the body can affect driving safety. What signs should you look for? And how can you bring up such a sensitive topic without hurting his feelings? Here’s everything you need to know to stay behind the wheel… safely.

1. Vision: when the eyes don’t see as well as they used to

Your eyesight is basically the brain’s GPS while driving. And with age, that “screen” can get blurry. Cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration… these technical-sounding terms describe common eye issues after 70. The result: road signs are harder to read, contrasts fade, and headlights at night shine like movie spotlights.

What to do:
A yearly visit to the ophthalmologist is essential. Updating a glasses prescription or limiting driving to daytime hours may be enough. But sometimes, it’s best to hang up the keys… and call a taxi for peace of mind.

2. Memory and reflexes: when the brain slows down a little

Forgetting a route? Reacting too slowly to a yellow light? These aren’t always simple lapses in attention. Cognitive aging can cause memory lapses, difficulty making quick decisions, or even confusion on the road.

Good to know:
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive decline can reduce driving ability. It’s best to discuss the topic openly with a primary care doctor. Simple tests exist to evaluate reflexes and concentration.

3. Heart and circulation: watch out for sudden episodes of dizziness

A brief dizzy spell… happening while driving? Some cardiovascular issues, such as arrhythmias or high blood pressure, can cause dizziness, shortness of breath, or even fainting.