Health problems such as loss of vision, hearing, suffering dementia or debilitating arthritis, all take their toll on the seniors ability to handle a vehicle confidently, or safely.

You have to have good vision to hold a drivers license. Licensing laws are different in each state so you need to be the judge in most cases, if you have any qualms about the condition of your eyes you need to see an optometrist. The older you get the faster your eyes can change.
You have grown used to the higher speed on the highways, you may be a safe driver who obeys the laws, wears a seat belt, does not drive under the influence of medication or alcohol; you may have had years of experience.

This does not automatically make you a good driver.

When you are behind the wheel you are not only responsible for yourself but for the others drivers. You have to be able to hear horns and/or sirens, be able to see to both sides as well as front and back and your mind has to be sharp for those instant decisions that can appear without warning. Your reflexes as well as dexterity are naturally going to diminish with time.

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You may think you are as sharp as anyone, perhaps you cannot see that there is any problem; can't see, or refuse to see! Be honest with yourself! Your life depends on it!

One good test is too enroll in the AARP "55 Alive" program as it comes to your community. You might be very surprised at how many things have changed since you took the course two years ago. Not only physically but mentally and emotionally. 

Memory problems can cause a trip to the local market to be a nightmare. If an aged driver becomes confused or disoriented, gets lost, or just drives around searching for something familiar it is obvious that s/he should not be driving. 

There are those who refuse to admit to the loss of abilities that are essential to safe driving. 
This is a disastrous situation that can lead to serious problems both for the driver and his family. 
Self esteem and the ability to stay active and involved is a major component to mental health. 
Situations like these can wreak havoc with relationships if not handled in a diplomatic, kind manner.

If the driver will not willingly turn over his license, then what? 

There is no 'pat' answer to cover everyone. But if you have someone in your family or know of a senior that is alone with no family in the area who is driving and shouldn't be, use a tactful way to begin the process of planting the seed to get them to relinquish the license.

 For some drivers this could even be tremendous relief not have to worry about the upkeep of a vehicle or the responsibility of insurance. One can always keep a car and have another person drive, but that still leaves them with the expense as well as responsibility.

Perhaps the first thing they worry about is that they will be isolated, dependent on family or friends for the most basic necessities of life. Granted in most places there is some form of public transportation, but not everywhere.

For instance, I live a little over two miles from a small college town..
There are no taxis, nor is there bus service outside the city limits. There is a bus that takes seniors to Butte once or twice a month, but I am not familiar with its schedule. 

I am still able to drive, but don't think that I have not thought of others in the same position without any means of transportation. There is a Senior Companion Program through the local hospital and those who cannot get out and about can apply to have a Companion, The companion then can take them to town when they need to go, or go for them and do their errands. Here again there are communities in this state that do not have the benefit of this program.

For information in your area, contact the Department of Health and Human Sciences, the local churches, or hospital to see if there are any transportation services available for senior citizens.

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Barbara Gould will concentrate on Senior Citizen Issues . She published a book of poetry, "Weird Old Woman Down The Road and Other Minor Observations in 1996. Poetry and short stories portray many facets of her versatile lifestyle. Barb had a mid-life career in Early Childhood Education and Development, owned and operated her own "on site" daycare and preschool.
After retiring from that she worked one year as a nanny then served five years as a volunteer with the Senior Companion Program. Several years ago she married a much younger man and is now officially retired. Her days are spent writing, caring for her home, pets and husband.

Her personal link is:
http://geocities.com/mtnmagpie/index.html Aging Gracefully

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No information contained on this site should be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed professional in that particular field. 

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