Stay Confident Behind the Wheel: AARP Driver Safety Course Comes to Aster Senior Center at Mesa Downtown

Driving looks different than it did twenty, or even ten, years ago. Traffic patterns have changed, intersections have been redesigned, new technology has crept into our dashboards, and the rules of the road have quietly shifted around us. For many older adults, staying independent means staying behind the wheel — and staying behind the wheel safely means keeping those skills current.

That's what Aster's upcoming AARP Driver Safety Course is designed to do.

The Details

The first course will be held at the Red Mountain Senior Center on Tuesday, July 28, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The second course will be held at the Mesa Downtown Senior Center on Tuesday, August 11, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Led by AARP Trainer Barbara Skinner, the class walks participants through the latest in defensive driving techniques, covering everything from updated traffic laws to strategies for handling the everyday hazards of driving in a busy metro area like the East Valley.

The cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. And the benefits may extend well beyond the classroom: many insurance providers offer a discount on premiums for drivers who successfully complete an approved safety course, so it's worth checking with your provider to see if you qualify.

Why It Matters

Defensive driving courses aren't about relearning how to drive — they're about refreshing the habits that keep drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe. Reaction times, vision, and hearing all shift gradually with age, often without us noticing day to day. A course like this offers a structured, judgment-free space to review the fundamentals, learn what's changed, and pick up practical strategies for adapting to those changes rather than avoiding the road altogether.

For many participants, that translates directly into peace of mind — for themselves, and for the family members who care about them.

How to RSVP

Space in the class is limited, so early sign-up is encouraged. To reserve a spot, contact AARP Trainer Barbara Skinner directly at barbaraaarp@gmail.com or 480-383-9187.

More Than a Class

Aster Aging is proud to offer this course and other resources for the practical, sometimes overlooked pieces of aging well. Staying safely mobile is one of the clearest paths to staying independent, and Aster is glad to help make that possible in partnership with AARP.

About Aster Aging

Aster Aging is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has served local communities since 1979. Aster provides a full continuum of services to help older adults and their families navigate aging with independence and dignity, impacting thousands of older adults and their families in the East Valley through four core programs: In-Home Support, Meals on Wheels, Outreach & Social Services, and Senior Centers.

Senior Centers

Aster's Senior Centers serve as social hubs, offering lunchtime meals and a full slate of daily activities. Each Center operates its own café, providing a casual gathering spot for friends to share a snack and conversation. Regularly scheduled offerings include:

• Daily, nutritionally balanced lunch
• Live music and movies
• Art, exercise, and dance classes
• Education and health & wellness programs
• Bingo games

Visit your local Senior Center at Mesa Downtown or Red Mountain to learn more about upcoming classes and events.