The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging found that 84% of people age 65 and older drive at least once a week and 62% drive most days. The survey was done in February 2025 by NORC at the University of Chicago for the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation and included 2,883 respondents aged 50 to 97; a Michigan-focused analysis used 1,353 adults aged 50 to 95.
Among those who had driven in the past six months, 81% said they are very confident they can drive safely now, 18% were somewhat confident, and 1% were not very confident. Looking ahead, 43% were very confident they will be able to drive in the next five years, 51% were somewhat confident, and 5% were not confident.
About half of drivers age 65 and older do not have a plan for a time when health changes make driving unsafe: 54% lack such a plan. Many already use alternatives. In the last six months, 44% received rides from friends or family, 21% used rideshare services, and 14% used public transportation. Only 6% had ever talked with a health care provider about driving.
Difficult words
- survey — a set of questions given to many people
- respondent — a person who answers questions in a studyrespondents
- confident — feeling sure about ability or outcome
- alternative — other choices or options to use insteadalternatives
- rideshare service — a paid car ride arranged by an apprideshare services
- public transportation — buses, trains or other shared transit
- health care provider — a doctor, nurse, or medical professional
- plan — a decision or steps for future events
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think people should make a plan for when health changes make driving unsafe? Why or why not?
- Which of the alternatives mentioned (rides from family, rideshare, public transport) would you use in your town? Explain briefly.
- How could health care providers help older adults with driving decisions, based on the facts in the article?
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