Health not age is key factor when stopping driving

Only 1% of people aged 60+ would give up driving because of their age but 43% of those surveyed would stop driving due to health concerns(1) and 37% due to problems with their eyesight. The new research(2) from Age UK also finds that people are more likely to go to their GP(3) (62%) than their friends and family (26%) for advice about stopping driving. The research is released today to mark the launch of Age UK's free In the driving seat guide which offers tips on driving safely for longer and advice on making the decision to stop driving.

Two-thirds of drivers aged 60+ are driving more than five times a week(4) (67%); relying on their car primarily for shopping (87%), visiting friends and family (78%) and getting to the hospital or doctor's surgery (55%). When asked why they wanted to continue to drive for as long as possible people stated they like being in control of where and when they travel (58%) and that they simply enjoy driving (49%).

Lucy Harmer, Head of Services at Age UK, said: 'Someone's driving skills can't be judged by the date on their birth certificate and everyone needs to take responsibility for their ability to drive safely, including older people. Driving brings freedom and independence and it is important that people can go on enjoying driving for as long as possible.

'However, things can change quickly in the motoring world, from new roads and traffic systems to developments in car design. People can change too, with some medical conditions affecting driving ability and it can be possible to lose confidence out on the road. This is why we've brought out our new In the driving seat guide which offers support and advice on driving safely whatever your age.'

Age UK's new In the driving seat guide includes information about renewing your licence, declaring health conditions, alternatives to driving and getting out and about, tips on continuing to drive safely and adaptations that can help with this.  It also explains what to do if you have any concerns about your driving, and how to decide when it's time to stop. For a free copy of Age UK's In the driving seat guide call Age UK Advice free on 0800 169 6565 or visit Age UK publications to download a copy.

Age UK also offers a range of paid-for products and services tailored to reach the over 50s - including Age UK Car Insurance, provided by Ageas Insurance Limited which has no upper age limit, no hidden fees for policy changes and offers a no claims discount option. Customers can pay by monthly instalment at no extra cost. For more information, visit Age UK's car insurance page or call 0845 602 9143.

In the driving seat is part of Age UK's Living Your Way campaign which helps to give older people choice and control to stay independent for as long as possible through information, advice, practical services and specially designed products.

So whether it's impartial advice on how to claim benefits to help stay independent or a question about adapting the home; or support for a loved one with hearing problems or decreasing mobility - Age UK and its local and national partners are here to help. To find out more about the support the charity can offer and for a free copy of Age UK's Life magazine, call Age UK Advice free on 0800 169 65 65 or visit pageLiving Your Waythe . To make a donation call 0800 169 87 87 or visit the homepage.

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Notes to editors

Media contact: Sarah Scott
Telephone: 020 3033 1434
Out of hours: 07071 243 243

1)Health concerns (such as arthritis, heart conditions etc)
2)Driving Omnibus Survey by TNS Omnibus
3)Or other health professional. These figures refer to all those people aged 60+   who have driven in the past year
4)These figures refer to all those people aged 60+ who have driven in the past year

Driving Omnibus Survey by TNS Omnibus was compiled on behalf of Age UK and ran from 12-23 July 2013 to a contact sample of 2,211 adults aged 60+ in Great Britain. The data is weighted to be representative of the British population. For each question, respondents were presented with a range of answers to choose from.

Age UK

For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.

We provide free information, advice and support to over six million people; commercial products and services to well over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and wellbeing, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we").  Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).