COVID-19 waves driven by Omicron-lineage variants continue to affect mobility and wellbeing for adults 65+. The CDC shows that older adults consistently have the highest COVID-19 hospitalization rates through 2025, and the WHO reports ongoing variant evolution with immune escape that keeps risk concentrated in seniors and those with chronic conditions. Vaccination and timely antivirals reduce severe outcomes, yet roughly half of adults 65+ had received the 2024–2025 updated vaccine by early 2025 (KFF). In addition, about 5–7% of adults 65+ report current Long COVID, and among those affected, about one-quarter say their day-to-day activities are limited “a lot,” which can hinder driving and community mobility. Mental health needs persist: approximately 10–20% of older adults report anxiety and/or depressive symptoms at any given survey wave, and KFF analysis synthesizes these age-graded risks. Early in the pandemic, polls like this Kaiser Family Foundation poll found high distress; while symptoms have generally eased from 2020 peaks, loneliness and isolation remain elevated for many older adults.
There are practical ways to protect independence in 2025: stay up to date on the current-season COVID-19 vaccine (KFF), plan for same- or next-day access to outpatient antivirals if you test positive (KFF), and use evidence-based supports such as tele-mental health and community programs when isolation or mood symptoms arise (CDC Household Pulse). This article focuses on staying mobile by optimizing fitness and using up-to-date vehicle modifications, assistive technologies, and insurance strategies that align with current research.
Because many seniors live on fixed incomes, we’ve highlighted options across price points, along with funding/coverage considerations. Before investing, consider an evaluation with a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist and use a qualified mobility dealer; private auto insurance rarely pays for adaptive equipment, though programs like the VA’s Automobile Adaptive Equipment may help eligible veterans (NHTSA; NMEDA; VA AAE).
The silver lining? Some changes that make driving safer can also help with auto insurance costs. Insurers most reliably discount risk-reducing features such as anti-theft devices (mandated discounts in New York: NY DFS), telematics/usage-based programs for safe, low-mileage drivers (NAIC), winter tires in certain jurisdictions like Ontario (FSRA), and crash-avoidance tech that reduces claims (IIHS/HLDI). Adaptive equipment typically needs to be scheduled/endorsed on your policy for its value rather than discounting premiums; expect to provide receipts and be aware that adding expensive equipment can increase the insured vehicle value and potentially the premium (AARP/The Hartford).
In This Article:
- Before We Discuss Modifications, Let’s Talk Fitness
- How Can I Modify My Car
- How Can I Lower My Insurance Rates With Modifications?
- What If Modifications Aren’t Enough?
Before We Discuss Modifications, Let’s Talk Fitness
Driving safely depends on neck and trunk rotation for scanning, lower-limb strength and power for braking, balance for safe entry/exit, and endurance for longer trips. U.S. safety and public health agencies explicitly recommend regular exercise to maintain strength and flexibility for driving (CDC; NHTSA). Global guidance advises 150–300 minutes/week of moderate aerobic activity, muscle strengthening on 2+ days, and multicomponent balance/functional training several days per week (WHO). These capacities can also counter deconditioning after illness and support safe return to driving.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found in 2019 that poor physical functions and fatigue were common reasons older adults limited their driving; more recent analyses show older-driver involvement trends that reinforce the value of proactive fitness and self-regulation as licensure persists to later ages (AAA Foundation, 2000–2022).
It’s normal to experience some change in mobility with age, but targeted exercises can help you maintain — and even regain — the flexibility, strength, balance, and reaction speed that support safe driving. If you have medical conditions or new symptoms (e.g., dizziness with head turns), consult your clinician before starting or progressing an exercise plan (CDC).
Whether driving, walking, or engaging in other activities, these five exercises can contribute to safer mobility. Always check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
| Exercise | Follow These Steps: | Benefits |
| Ankle Rolls | Balance yourself by holding on to a stable object with one hand (your car door will work fine!), place your other hand on your waist, and then lift your right leg and rotate your ankle carefully in a clockwise, then counter-clockwise motion. Perform 8-10 rotations in each direction, then switch legs. | Supports ankle mobility and circulation to help with smooth pedal transitions and responsive braking; complements lower-limb strength work recommended for older drivers (CDC/NHTSA). |
| Back stretch | While sitting, cross your right leg over your left at the knee or ankle. Sitting tall, contract your abdominal muscles and slowly turn your upper body to the right. Hold for 3-5 seconds. Return to your starting position and do one more time before switching to the other side. Repeat set 8 times. | Improves thoracic rotation and core control to make blind-spot checks and backing easier with less strain. |
| Chest and shoulder stretch | While sitting, lean forward in your chair while grasping the lower back of the chair with your hands. Inhale in this position while lifting your chest, then exhale while leaning forward with hips and shoulders. Repeat 5 times. | Enhances shoulder and upper-back flexibility for steering and reaching secondary controls without overreaching. |
| Squats | Standing behind a chair that you’ll use for support, position your feet hip-distance apart with toes forward. Bend your knees and hips as if you were going to sit in a chair. If you can, raise both arms forward while holding the position. If you’re shaky, hold onto the chair back instead. Build up to 2 sets of 8 reps each. | Builds lower-body strength and power needed for steady entries/exits and confident, forceful braking when needed. |
| Side steps | Standing on a flat surface with your feet together, step sideways with one foot; then bring the other to join it. Keep your knees slightly bent; your hands can be either on your hips, or, if you feel comfortable enough, held out in front of you. Take 4 steps one way, then reverse. Work up to 8 repetitions. | Improves balance and coordination, reducing fall risk at the vehicle and aiding foot placement on pedals during multi-point maneuvers. |
How Can I Modify My Car
Exercise is one tool to make driving safer and more comfortable — vehicle changes are another. Today’s options range from low-cost aids to professionally installed adaptive controls and advanced driver assistance. New U.S. rules will require automatic emergency braking (AEB) on nearly all new light vehicles by 2029, accelerating availability of key crash-avoidance features (NHTSA AEB rule). Before you purchase equipment, seek a clinical/on-road evaluation with a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist and work with a NMEDA QAP mobility dealer for design, installation, and training (ADED; NMEDA).
We’ve divided our list of modifications into three groups, depending on your needs: physical mobility, driving assistance, and quality of life/disability assistance. Each type of modification addresses common age-related changes (strength, range of motion, reaction time, or use of mobility devices) using 2025-available options and typical cost ranges where applicable (NMEDA).
Physical Mobility
Mobility aids include simple devices that help you enter/exit the vehicle and more complex lifts, transfer bases, and securement systems for wheelchair users. Best practice: obtain an equipment prescription from a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist and use a QAP-certified installer to preserve safety systems and documentation for insurance (NHTSA; NMEDA). Many access aids are relatively affordable (e.g., assist handles/straps often $50–$300), while powered transfer seats or minivan conversions can run into the thousands (BraunAbility).
Assist bars/assist straps for entering/exiting the car
Grab bars that slot into the door striker or hang from the frame can improve leverage for sit-to-stand. Typical prices range from about $50–$300 depending on design; no hard installation is required. Ensure add-ons do not interfere with airbags or factory restraints and always remove striker-mounted tools before closing the door (NMEDA).
Swivel cushions
Padded swivel cushions generally cost $20–$90 and can make pivoting in/out easier without permanent changes. Position them so they don’t raise you so high that headroom or airbag alignment is affected (consult your installer if unsure).
Turney or valet seat
If you need more turning ability than you can get with a swivel cushion, a turney or valet seat may fit the bill. Valet seats look like regular car seats, but they rotate from the base to face outward. Some even slide out of the car and lower themselves closer to the ground. Valet seats are a high-ticket item that require professional installation, and they typically cost about $8,000–$10,000 (NMEDA).
Ramps
There are a broad range of ramp options for cars and vans, from simple, portable solutions that store in the backseat and retail for around $200 to high-end powered solutions that cost in the thousands of dollars and require professional installation. Interior hoists/cranes and hitch-mounted lifts are alternatives; be sure to confirm vehicle weight ratings and fitment with a QAP dealer (NMEDA).
Docking Stations
A docking station is an apparatus that allows those in wheelchairs to secure their chair to the driver or passenger side seat in your vehicle. It’s installed on the floor of the chair after the regular seat is removed. Installation is required both for the vehicle and for the bracket that is installed on the bottom of the chair itself. Docking systems and brackets should be matched and tested by a QAP dealer; keep installation and safety documentation for inspections and insurance (NMEDA).
Driving Assistance
While mobility aids help you get into and out of your car, there are also devices that help you drive more effectively and safely. Common adaptive controls include mechanical hand controls ($500–$2,500 installed), a left-foot accelerator with lockout ($400–$1,000), pedal guards/blocks (a few hundred dollars), and steering aids like spinner knobs ($100–$300), along with optional reduced-effort steering/braking for limited strength. These should be prescribed, installed, and you should be trained by a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist before driving independently (NMEDA; NHTSA).
Hands free navigation assistance
Hands-free navigation has become popular for all drivers — not just older ones. They range from simple cell phone apps like Google Maps to more complex GPS systems such as Garmin’s DriveSmart. Many newer cars come with built-in hands-free navigation systems that are voice-activated and include collision warnings or smartphone notifications. Dashboard systems that are GPS-based retail for roughly $200-300, and require little installation, though if you’re not comfortable with electronics, it’s a good idea to have a tech-savvy friend or relative help you set it up. Aftermarket ADAS add-ons (for example, Mobileye 8 Connect) can add forward-collision and lane-departure warnings to many older vehicles; these kits are typically professional installs and often cost over $1,000 plus labor, and they provide alerts only (they don’t make a vehicle self-driving).
Electronic parking assistance
Electronic parking assistance systems use cameras and lasers to guide the driver in parallel and other types of parking. Some cars — notably Toyota’s Prius and Lexus — feature this technology as one of the car’s benefits. Cost varies by manufacturer: BMW, for example, offers a parking assistance package that can be added to the base 740i for $700. Mercedes-Benz offers a $1,290 parking assistance package that locates and steers the car while the driver works the gas and brake pedals. Aftermarket options include backup cameras and parking sensors (~$300–$800 installed) and multi-camera 360° systems (~$500–$1,500+ installed); professional calibration and alignment are important to ensure accurate detection, and recalibration may be needed after certain repairs or windshield replacements (NMEDA). Crash-avoidance tech such as AEB and blind-spot systems has been shown to reduce crashes and claims (IIHS/HLDI), which is especially helpful for drivers with limited neck mobility.
Bluetooth assistance and navigational support
Bluetooth, the wireless technology that powers cordless computer keyboards, smartphones and gaming consoles is increasingly found in cars as well. Cars like the Subaru CrossTrek let you sync your smartphone with your car, which means you can answer and make phone calls hands-free and get navigational support or find destinations using AI apps such as Siri or Alexa, depending on your phone’s capabilities. Pair voice commands with driver-assistance alerts for simpler workload management on the road; remember these systems assist but do not replace attentive driving (IIHS partial automation safeguards).
Quality of Life and Disability Assistance
Larger buttons and extended sun visors (for impaired vision)
Driving with vision impairments can be challenging, but if your eyes aren’t as sharp as they once were, there are cheap ways to make it easier to see and drive safely. Low-cost extended sun visors are available online in the $20-30 range. These are affixed to the existing visor and don’t require professional installation. Large-sized buttons or stickers are available for the starter, radio, cruise control and other dashboard controls, and are easier to spot when driving. Consider adding panoramic or auxiliary blind-spot mirrors ($20–$100) to widen the rear view; position them to avoid obstructing the windshield and ensure compliance with state visibility rules (NMEDA).
Six way adjustable seats
Adjustable seats can help with hip pain or make it possible for a wheelchair user to transfer from their chair to a car seat. They can be rotated, raised, lowered and further adjusted for height. Of course, most front car seats allow for some adjustments for comfort and vision control; those designed for the elderly or those with disabilities would need to be professionally installed in place of the vehicle’s original seat.
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Auto-dimming mirrors help eliminate the glare of headlights when driving at night. The mirror features sensors that adjust what the driver sees depending on the level of glare coming up behind the car. This minimizes eye strain as well as driver fatigue. Since there is wiring involved, auto-dimming rearview mirrors are best installed by a mechanic or someone with experience in car electrical systems. They retail for $75-200.
Siren detector
Siren detectors for alerting a hearing impaired driver to the sirens of passing emergency vehicles are still on the drawing board for most auto manufacturers, but Hyundai has announced audio-visual conversion and audio-tactile conversion technology that will be available in the near future. This technology uses artificial intelligence to analyze sound patterns and alert drivers to sirens and horns through steering wheel lights and vibrations.
How Can I Lower My Insurance Rates With Modifications?
Auto modifications make driving easier, safer, and more comfortable for seniors — and some can help with insurance premiums. The most reliable savings in 2024–2025 come from risk-reducing changes and programs: enroll in a telematics/usage-based program if you’re a low-risk driver (NAIC); add approved anti-theft devices (New York requires discounts for approved devices: NY DFS); in Ontario, fit four winter tires and notify your insurer to activate the mandatory discount (FSRA); and choose vehicles with proven crash-avoidance tech like AEB, which reduces crash claims (IIHS/HLDI). Mature-driver/defensive-driver course discounts are also common for seniors (AARP/The Hartford). Adaptive mobility equipment generally does not lower premiums by itself; instead, you’ll typically schedule or endorse it for its value, submit receipts, and confirm coverage limits — note that adding expensive equipment can raise the vehicle’s insured value and may affect the premium. Ask your carrier in advance and keep documentation for all installed equipment (NHTSA).
To see this graphic zoomed in, click here!
What If Modifications Aren’t Enough?
Aging brings with it many challenges, and driving may be one of these. If you are torn about whether you or a loved one should still be driving, modifications may help in the short term — but they are not a long-term solution. Consider health safeguards that keep mobility possible — stay current on COVID-19 vaccination (KFF) and plan ahead for rapid testing and early outpatient treatment if infected — alongside honest assessments of driving safety (NCHS Long COVID; NCHS Mental Health).
Surrendering your license is a hard thing to do, since it leads to reduced independence and a reliance on others for tasks that used to be easy. But if your own safety, or that of others, is at stake, it may be the best choice.
How do you know if it’s time to stop driving? Here are a few questions to ask yourself that may help:
- Do I often have close calls or near-accidents with other cars?
- Do I experience routine pain in any body part when I’m driving?
- Have my family members or friends expressed concern about my driving?
- Do I have trouble seeing traffic signs, the lines on the road, or other cars, either at night or during the day?
- Do I take any medications that could impair my driving skills, such as anti-anxiety drugs or sleeping pills?
Giving up your license may be the ultimate act of generosity for others if you think you’re no longer safe on the road. You may actually feel a sense of relief when you no longer need to negotiate traffic or worry about breakdowns.
Of course, you still have places to go, so it is worth taking the time to explore other transportation options in your region. If you live in a city or urban area, you may have a robust train, subway, or bus system that can quickly and inexpensively get you anywhere you need. Most transit systems also provide ADA complementary paratransit within 3/4 mile of fixed routes, during the same days/hours, with at least next-day reservations and fares capped at no more than twice the base fixed-route fare (49 CFR § 37.131). Many agencies are piloting same-day/on-demand microtransit to extend coverage and reduce wait times (FTA EMI).
You may also find sources of transportation by looking into eldercare options or paratransit in your area. The federal government’s ElderCare Locator is a clearinghouse of information on resources for older citizens, including transportation. Most regional cities and even smaller counties or municipal areas have a Department For Aging office — a Google search can locate the one that’s closest to you, and may lead you to local resources. Additional supports include volunteer driver programs and mobility management funded by FTA Section 5310 (FTA 5310), Medicaid’s non-emergency medical transportation for eligible beneficiaries (Medicaid NEMT), and transportation offered by some Medicare Advantage plans (KFF).
Finally, don’t forget family and friends. While you may not want to bother them, you may find that they’re looking for ways to assist you as you enter this new phase of life.
The Bottom Line
Knowing when to say good-bye to your driver’s license can be difficult. In the meantime, you can improve safety by combining guideline-based fitness, properly prescribed and installed vehicle adaptations, and proven driver-assistance tech. Choose cars with strong crash-avoidance features as these become standard under the new AEB rule (NHTSA), and keep health protections current — including the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine and rapid access to antivirals — to preserve mobility and independence (KFF). If isolation or mood symptoms persist, Medicare now covers services from licensed mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists, including tele-mental health options, expanding access to care (CMS 2024 rule).
