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Best Vehicle for Elderly/Limited Mobility Drivers

68 messages,  Last post on Aug 08, 2012 at 7:13 PM

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#50 of 68 Vehicle for Elderly with limited mobility by realpro

Nov 17, 2007 (7:42 am)

I'm looking for a vehicle with the seat height of a Forester to drive elderly family members (female). The minivan foot area where they can just slide their feet out is nice but it is difficult with the seat height to get them in.
 
Is there any vehicle out there without the foot well and flat floor for them to slide out in addition to the seat height.

#51 of 68 Re: Vehicle for Elderly with limited mobility [realpro] by ateixeira

Nov 20, 2007 (10:07 am)

Replying to: realpro (Nov 17, 2007 7:42 am)
You may want to plan ahead and get a ramp van with a lift.
 
I believe they have conversions for the Toyota Sienna and the Dodge Grand Caravan.
 
The Dodge even has the Swivel seats that you can make face outward. That might make it easier for them to exit.
 
I totally agree with the Forester's seats being at the perfect height, you don't climb up or sit down, you just slide in!

#52 of 68 Good subject by irismg

Nov 25, 2007 (1:27 pm)

The vast majority of people who post on sites like this one seem to feel that they will never be afflicted with a physical impairment, and that the car makers should only cater to the young and healthy. I'm 46 years old and have arthritis in the knees, and it's been an education to lurk and read the comments from so many clueless people who will one day be infirm and still need transportation. They look down their noses at the people who drive Town Cars and Impalas other non-sporty vehicles, the so-called "fogey"-mobiles, and would seem to prefer older people who drive automatics just don't exist.
 
What I hope they come to realize, someday soon, is that you can't stop living just because you can't work the clutch pedal anymore or sit in a low, thinly cushioned seat anymore. We have to buy what we need, not what the young males would prefer us to have, because sometimes there are just more important things in this world than having an exciting half-hour drive to work.
 
Anyway, I wanted to thank Edmunds for bringing up that this is a real need for more people than a lot of "enthusiasts" would care to admit.

#53 of 68 press request by kirstie_h HOST

May 30, 2008 (9:48 am)

A reporter would like to talk drivers above the age of 50 who chose a vehicle because of a specific feature that made your driving experience more comfortable. Please respond to ctalatiedmunds.com with your daytime contact information along with the vehicle you chose and the feature that you really liked no later than Tuesday, June 3rd.

#54 of 68 Re: vehicle for elderly. by daddysangel

Sep 21, 2008 (8:37 pm)

At this time, my dad & I are using a 2005 Chevy Equinox LT with hatchback and automatic transmission (it has been laughingly called a "tall wagon"). His rolling walker packs away behind the back seats on the reversible picnic shelf's middle level and we slide in and out the front seats fairly well with our decrepit bodies and his dizzy self.
 
If all else fails; Yahoo! or Google for "best vehicles for senior citizens" for 2008 makes and models.
 
Daddysangel

#55 of 68 on a safety note by steve_ HOST

Jan 18, 2010 (7:53 pm)

"A new in-depth report released today by the UK's IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists contradicts the common assumption that older drivers are a danger on the roads, comprehensively proving that drivers over 70 are no more likely to cause crashes than any other driver, and are indeed, considerably safer than younger drivers.
 
The report shows that older drivers are safer than young drivers. Just eight per cent of drivers are currently over 70 years of age, and they are involved in around four per cent of injury crashes; fifteen per cent of drivers are in their teens and twenties but are involved in 34 per cent of injury crashes."
 
Older drivers - Safe or unsafe? (Gizmag)

#56 of 68 Re: on a safety note [steve_] by euphonium

Jan 18, 2010 (8:40 pm)

Replying to: steve_ (Jan 18, 2010 7:53 pm)
Old Farts haven't learned how to use Cell 'phones or know how to text. So, naturally they're safer drivers.

#57 of 68 Re: on a safety note [steve_] by ateixeira

Jan 19, 2010 (9:23 am)

Replying to: steve_ (Jan 18, 2010 7:53 pm)
We'd also have to look at crashes per mile, because after retirement they likely drive less distance, too.
 
I'm not saying grandpa is unsafe, just that we should look at wrecks-per-mile, not per person.

#58 of 68 Re: on a safety note [ateixeira] by gagrice

Jan 19, 2010 (10:17 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jan 19, 2010 9:23 am)
That could get a bit complex. Odds of a fender bender in town are higher than in a rural setting. While high speed injury accidents are more likely in a Highway or rural setting.
 
I am sure gadgets such as cell phones will be the number one cause of all accidents and all age groups in the not too distant future.

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