Male Speaker: For 80 year old Joe Verge and millions of other older Canadians, a driver's license is a passport to independence. Today Joe is driving to his woodworking class at an adult learning center, but two years ago a heart condition nearly forced him to give up driving for ever.
Joe Verge: Well, I felt very upset, because I would going to lose all my mobility. To me, it means everything and its freedom, that's what it means for me.
Male Speaker: At the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Ron Keren understands the anxiety that many older drivers feel.
Dr. Ron Keren: I think the worst thing is to tell a person that the reason they can't drive this because of their age because, it's got really nothing to do with age, it's got to do with safety and functional abilities and cognitive skills. So when I approach an individual about the driving, first of all, I will allow myself lots of time because, it's a sensitive issue that needs to be dealt with sensitively with the lot of explanation and lot of compassion.
Male Speaker: After a heart surgery and three months and in acute care facility, Joe was admitted to Toronto Rehab. He had three goals; to walk, to play golf and to resume driving. Using a driving stimulator, Joe's occupational therapist assessed his driving skills. Prescreening of driving fitness is just one way that Toronto Rehabs Geriatric Rehab Program is helping older Canadians live more safely and independently.
Joe Verge: You really have to consider whether or not you are capable of driving, and when in doubt you should have a real good driving test.
Male Speaker: With people over 65 now the fastest growing segment of the Canadian population, the issue of older adult and safe driving is more important than ever.
Dr. Ron Keren: The key message to family members is to take that seriously and don't be afraid, and if you don't feel that you can confront it yourselves, speak to your family doctor about it.
Male Speaker: Professional screening and testing proved that Joe Verge's driving skills remain sharp even in his 81st year. He achieved all three of his rehabilitation goals, but he is realistic that eventually he and his class mates will have to retire from the road.
Joe Verge: They have to realize that the alternative is other modes of transportation where you are not just driving, that is bus or cabs or wheel trams or whatever means that's available to get to your food point or either point be.
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