Driving you crazy? Seniors and the love of cars
Published: 12/08/2019
Driving you crazy? Seniors and the love of cars.
I love cars, growing up in Yorkshire and having a car meant freedom and independence. The day I can no longer drive I am certain will be a very bad day indeed. At some point this will be upsetting but inevitable.
The last accident I saw was someone who just drove through a red light and was hit side on, he was an elderly man who just didn’t register the red light. Fortunately, everyone was okay but both cars were badly damaged. It was a real shock to witness.
More high profile the Duke of Edinburgh was involved in a car crash at the age of 97. On balance if you are aged 17-24 you are four times more likely to be involved in an accident than the over 70’s. Age is not the indicator for poor driving. Older drivers are more experienced and much more likely to be courteous in their driving approach.
Age uk research reveals drivers over the age of 60 use their car at least five times a week. Your licence expires at 70 however all you have to do is re-apply for a new one.
The car is for many seniors the key to freedom and independence and the thought of giving this up can be terrifying. What should you do if you are concerned about someone’s ability to drive? This may sound obvious but just talk to them, explain what you have observed in a calm, compassionate and logical way. Your GP is a great independent recourse to give advice, another option is to enlist a session from a driving instructor to give a professional opinion on suitability to drive.
No longer driving what are the alternatives? By not having a car you will in all likelihood immediately up your activity, walk more steps. Taxi’s and uber’s can be expensive. Claim your free bus pass and roam at will.
Professional in-home care. If your family uses home care to keep a loved one safe at home, don’t forget that caregivers can provide transportation. Make getting out and about part of your loved one’s routine. And the ride is only the beginning. A taxi driver isn’t going to sit in the doctor’s waiting room with your loved one or assist them to the toilet.
Remember, whatever the circumstance losing the ability to drive is life effecting and helping a person adjust with patience and compassion will be essential.
