Introduction
Choosing the best car for your elderly passenger is an important decision. One of the most frequently asked questions by seniors is which car is best for them? The answer to this question varies depending on their current physical status, financial status, and needs.
When considering cars for elderly passengers there are two things to keep in mind when choosing your ride: safety and comfort. Your list of cars should have vehicles that are known for safety in high-speed collisions as well as vehicles that offer a nearly flat ride when traveling over pot holes or other road imperfections. Vehicles that offer adaptive seating are also good choices because they allow seniors to maintain independence while being driven by family members or caregivers. Your goal when choosing a car is to be able to travel safely and comfortably from place to place without wearing out the passenger in the process.
Types of Elderly Passengers
As you consider which cars for elderly passengers best fit your needs, keep the following types of elderly passengers in mind:
Elderly people with younger children. There is nothing worse than having an elderly passenger sitting on your lap as you are driving. While this is not an issue for some people, it can be a problem for others. If there are small children in the car, you need to think about which vehicle will be best for your elderly passenger and their driver if they have a collision while riding with the children.
Elderly people who need to be driven. One of the biggest problems with driving an elderly person is maintaining conversation while they are driving. While some people hate to drive an elderly person, others get more than enough enjoyment out of giving their loved one a ride and talking. If you have an elderly passenger who needs to be driven, it may be wise to take your vehicle shopping for a car that does not make drivers talk endlessly or at all.
Elderly people with physical limitations. The older someone gets, the more difficult it is for them to get into and out of a vehicle without assistance from others.
Best Cars For Elderly Passengers
1. Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna is a car that offers almost the ultimate in elder-friendly seating. This is a vehicle that can seat up to eight passengers and includes two full-width reclining seats. The seats are located on both sides of the vehicle, allowing for independent transport from one side of the vehicle to the other. The seats also have storage space so bags or boxes can be put away while traveling through traffic and in parking lots. The driver’s controls are positioned very close to each seat, making it easy for drivers of any age to use them.
2. Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a small SUV that is known for its safety ratings. This car includes three-point seat belts for all passengers, as well as side airbags for the driver and front passenger. Rear seat passengers have the benefit of three-point shoulder belts, and as an added bonus, the paddle shifters are located on the steering wheel for easy manipulation with one hand at any time.
3. Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odyssey is a minivan made to accommodate six or seven people in comfort without taking up too much space on the road. This vehicle is known for its safety at both the front and rear ends. The driver’s seat is designed with a center belt retainer and seat belts for all passengers. The airbag system is designed to protect the front occupants and the driver in the event of a collision.
4. Chrysler Town and Country
The Chrysler Town and Country is another minivan that offers seating for seven people, although it can be ordered with seating for eight people if necessary. This car includes three-point belts for all passengers and multiple safety features to ensure passenger comfort during a collision or other hazardous situation.
5. Chevrolet Express
The Chevrolet Express was designed for an elderly driver and has a rear-facing seat behind the driver. In addition to the rear-facing seating, this car features three-point belts for all passengers, along with air bags in the front corners of the vehicle.
6. Nissan Quest
The Nissan Quest is a mini van that is ideal for transporting seven or eight people. This vehicle has plenty of room for all passengers, as well as space to load luggage or boxes into if necessary. The vehicle also includes multiple safety features including three-point seat belts and side curtain airbags that protect all passengers during a collision.
7. Hyundai Entourage
The Hyundai Entourage is a vehicle that provides seating for seven people, although it can be ordered with accommodation for eight people if necessary. This vehicle has a large cargo area and a rear-facing third row of seats. The rear-facing seats have three-point seat belts and air bags that protect the occupants during a collision. This is yet another vehicle for you to consider when choosing cars for elderly passengers.
All of these vehicles offer safety in high-speed collisions as well as comfort during trips from one place to another. Because of this, you should definitely give them serious consideration when considering which car your elderly passenger should ride in.
8. Kia Sedona
The Kia Sedona is a minivan that can carry seven or eight people. This vehicle has a high level of safety for the passengers and is designed for long trips in comfort. This car also includes rear-facing seats to give elderly passengers some extra legroom during long trips.
9. Dodge Grand Caravan
The Dodge Grand Caravan is a minivan that is slightly smaller than the previous model, making it easier for an elderly person to get around in this vehicle.
Conclusion
While many people believe that they can no longer drive after they reach a certain age, others feel like they have more in common with their grandparents who are still driving than their younger friends. The best way to choose cars for elderly passengers is to take the person you are caring for to the car dealership and have them try out each vehicle that you are considering. This will allow them to tell you if they like or dislike any of the seats, controls or other features of the vehicle. Keep in mind that while most people retire from driving at a certain age, there is no reason why an elderly person cannot continue driving until much later in life if he or she feels comfortable doing so.