Communities for older adults: rising to integrate a driver's education resource program (COA-RIDER)

• Main Author: Phan, Kimmy
• Other Authors: Jacobs, Karen
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2020
• Subjects: Occupational therapy; Aging; Community mobility; Driving; Older adult; Seniors
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/2144/41431

Communities for Older Adults: Rising to Integrate a Driver’s Education Resource Program (COA-RIDER) serves as a guide for leaders of local health and community welfare groups, including health-related personnel, that are interested in organizing and expanding a driving resource program in their local communities. This program is a response to the issue of limited community driving resource programs for older adults, many of whom will remain driving as they age. The COA-RIDER program aims to have more community organizations host and collect data for research to sustain future driving resource programs for older adults. Working in collaboration with various individuals, groups, and organizations can build cohesion among members of the community. This program is an opportunity for community members to gain a better understanding of professional roles and duties across different disciplines and fields. Collectively, all can help in the developmental process of providing a beneficial health and wellness resource program for aging drivers. Most importantly, this program not only educates on the importance of addressing mental, physical, and social health; it advocates for older adults to stay connected in their communities through driving, community mobility options, and local resources so that they can remain independent for as long as possible.