Then you hear those soul destroying words from your GP or specialist. "You are not medically fit to drive."

Sadly this happens to many older Australians every day and those few little words can be devastating.

People like Mike Condon, 78, who lost the sight in one eye in 2009 but was still able to drive. Two months ago, however, a retinal optical occlusion which had taken the sight in his left eye, developed partially in his right eye. Days later his opthamologist told him he would have to hang up his keys as he would never pass an approaching annual fitness to drive medical test.

The former Western Queensland cattle farmer and real estate valuer with the ATO, now living in Coffs Harbour, is grieving the loss of his independence but knows he's lucky to have his wife Robyn to drive him around and there is always public transport and taxis to fall back on.

However, he knows it's not so easy in other smaller towns with only one taxi or non at all.

"It's all been a big change in our lives and we worry what will happen if ever Robyn can't drive. It's been a shock and we are still trying to come to terms with it. I don't know how people who are on their own manage," he said.

Val Fell would tell Mike that having to give up your licence when you live alone is depressing and isolating.

Val, 95, from Wollongong voluntarily gave up her licence following a minor accident after she had a transient ischemic attack (TIA) when she was 87.

"It made a big difference to my life. I was no longer independent. "I live on top of a hill and use a walking frame so I can't walk down.

"I have cab charge vouchers but that only gives me a $10 discount, so a trip to the doctors costs me $40.

"I used to say if I can't drive than I will have to move. But I've stuck it out. I'm dependent on my daughter but she's not always available."

Val, a holder of the Medal of the Order of Australia, is an active advocate for the needs of older people and a member of the Aged Care Council of Elders. She is an ambassador for the Older Peoples Advocacy Network (OPAN), Dementia Australia and the Council on the Ageing, as well as potentially being the oldest person at an Australian university, where she is studying a Bachelor of Dementia Care.

She's also active in her community but usually has to ask someone to pick her up and drive her home.

For some older people living in regional or rural Australia, the availability of public transport can range from dire to non existent, leaving those who cannot drive unable to go to the shops, to medical appointments or to any form of socialising, often leading to severe mental and physical health issues.

Even older people living in cities can find the walk to public transport too onerous and the cost of taxis prohibitive, especially on an age pension. Maxi taxis for wheelchair users are few and far between and if ther older person is on a Home Care Package, using a care worker to take them out can quickly drain package funds.

It often leaves an older person having to juggle money, time, appointments and friendships to just do the basics every week.

The Older Person's Advocacy Network has prepared a position statement outlining some of the issues faced by older Australians when they are required to give up their licence.

The statement recognises that Australia is heavily dependent on the ability to drive and driving cessation contributes to loneliness and social isolation, however, it said all older people, including people who live in residential aged care, have a human right to have access to and be included in the community.

"Transport needs to be regarded as an essential support for older people receiving aged care services at home and in residential care," said OPAN.

"There is a need for greater investment in a diverse range of affordable and accessible personal and public transport options to support older people to age in place."

Aged care funding models for older people living in rural, regional and remote Australia should ensure equity of access to transport for health care and other services, and to maintain social and cultural connection, says the statement.

"When an older person gives up their licence, that typically leads to a significant reduction in their mobility and contributes to social isolation," said OPAN chief executive Craig Gear.

"In some instances, this results in an inability to access care, support and connection in the community and premature entry into residential aged care."

Mr Gear said older people who are having difficulty accessing transport as part of the Commonwealth Home Support and Home Care Package programs can call OPAN on 1800-700-600 for information and support.