The poll was done in February 2025 by NORC at the University of Chicago for the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. It included 2,883 people aged 50 to 97. A Michigan analysis used 1,353 people aged 50 to 95.
The results show that 84% of people 65 and older drive at least once a week and 62% drive most days. Only 10% had not driven in the past six months. Many drivers are confident now: 81% said they are very confident they can drive safely today.
Despite this, 54% of drivers 65 and over do not have a plan for when health changes make driving unsafe. Women and people over 75 were more likely to have a plan than men and those 65 to 74.
Difficult words
- poll — a study that asks people questions
- analysis — a study of data or information
- confident — sure that you can do somethingvery confident
- despite — used to say something happens anyway
- plan — a decision about future actions
- unsafe — not safe causing possible harm
- likely — probably true or expected to happen
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you know anyone aged 65 or older who drives most days? Why or why not?
- Why do you think many older people feel confident about driving?
- What could be a simple plan for someone who cannot drive because of health changes?
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