A car is our exit to freedom. What age/condition do you think will let you know when its time to do so? I have several years before I have to worry.
2007-06-17 09:29:12 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
This is a really rough question, one that most do not want to think about, for a car IS freedom. Obviously, we cannot rely on the DMV to police our driving, for too many slip under the safety net. But in general, as long as reflexes and sight are ok, driving a car is within each of our grasps. But, someone has to be the one to say, "enough." At the point that others are endangered by someone's driving, that is time to say "enough."
2007-06-18 07:00:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gracefully?? Wow its hard to say. In our family it has depended on health.
Dad almost blind from glaucoma finally gave it up after driving into a ditch next to his driveway for the second time.
My Mom after Dad was put in a nursing home and she turned in front of a car and got T boned . No one got hurt, Thank God.
My Mother in law, we had to take her ignition key so she wouldn't drive due to her Alzheimer's.
We are 65 and I am just not sure when or how well we will do when we have to.
We are that this very moment shopping for a new car, so we can go from two to one. That will be a challenge for right now.
2007-06-18 10:14:38 · answer #2 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've already done this. Like others, I found myself driving less and less while I went right on paying for car insurance and replacing batteries and tires, etc. The car would just sit there and get dirty, so about the most regular driving I was doing was to the carwash.
My grandson was attending college and working, and he was taking public transportation everywhere. One day I just decided that giving my car to my daughter would help HIM and also keep her from ever having to take the keys away from me.
I live in an area where Safeway Stores does home delivery, so I don't have to go out for shopping. I do, however, need medical trips and blood tests somewhat frequently. She drives me to those.
Aside from the guilt of being a burden on my daughter, I feel it was a happy decision on my part.
2007-06-18 16:17:51 · answer #3 · answered by suenami_98 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sure. I don't DO a whole lot of driving now--preferring to walk most places to get exercise (I find making myself walk through the pain of my arthritis actually eases it a bit).
And I have the example of my own father to remember. He got truly dangerous behind the wheel before my mother and I managed to talk him into surrendering his driver's license. At the end there, he would brake and stop at all green lights, and proceed through an intersection on red, and NOTHING you said could convince him he had gotten it backwards.
2007-06-18 07:30:07 · answer #4 · answered by Susie Q 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know that will be very difficult as I have always considered myself very self-sufficient and try not to impose on others. I have at 57 yr. old already discussed this with my three children and when all three agree that I am too impaired to drive, I will give it up, according to our agreement. I am banking on a deadlock as all of them are so different. I figure that should give me time to load up my horse and head west into the sunset.
2007-06-18 00:37:13 · answer #5 · answered by One Wing Eagle Woman 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
mother gave up driving at the age of 83. She was suffering with her heart and realized She might injure or kill someone so She gave up her driving.
As an aside I never have driven since I had medical problems and I get along just fine.
2007-06-17 17:10:30 · answer #6 · answered by Marvin R 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I will have no difficulty handing over the keys provided there are those who are able to assist me in acquiring the things needed for everyday living. As long as they don't take away my computer, I'll be happy.
2007-06-17 20:37:40 · answer #7 · answered by Darke Angel 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Many seniors have difficulty admitting that should move over to a passenger seat. Perhaps when close family members start making such a suggestion.
2007-06-17 16:35:41 · answer #8 · answered by liberty11235 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They should be allowed to drive, no matter how old they are IF they are able to drive, and pose no threat to other individuals on the road.
A lot of these old people, need to get their liscence taken away, they're terrible drivers. Just switch lanes randomly, almost hit everyone else, super slow reaction time.
Old, chinese, women are the worst.
2007-06-17 16:42:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Timing is the key - you have to know and do it yourself before others tell you to do it.
2007-06-17 22:59:01 · answer #10 · answered by Traveller 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋