Senior Moments

There ARE cases in which seniors reach a point where they VOLUNTARILY turn in their driver's license (and obtain a state photo ID instead, for identification purposes). If we want to ENCOURAGE more seniors to consider whether the time is right to give up their driver's license, then shouldn't we be asking ourselves some OTHER questions about state policies AND individual comunities? For example, is there enough reliable, affordable public transportation in the community, that is compatible with the special needs of seniors? Are the design of the roads, intersections, traffic signals, crosswalks appropriate for seniors' safety & security? (After all, city buses do NOT stop at the front entrance of every business, church, etc.; seniors who have given up their driver's license will often be walking the final part of the way to where they're going, somtimes using walkers). If our communties truly respect the older generation, then their needs will always be a serious part of city planning, private architecture, etc.

Where I live old folks age 65 and over are required to take yearly eye, hearing, and coordination tests before being issued a license. Their licenses must be renewed every year, rather than the usual 4 years like the rest of us. Also, they are required to put a sticker on their vehicle which reads, "Elderly Driver" so that we know to watch out. Because of the expense of all these tests and the hassle of having to renew their license every year most of the old folks no longer drive. Traffic conditions around here are not as bad as they used to be.

I have attempted to get an elderly parent off the road but the doctors have all chastized me for trying to do this. The elderly person is 91, blind in one eye, and needs hearing aids but doesn't have them. If the medical profession won't help us what can we do?

I have said for some time that my elderly parent should not drive. At 91 and with no vision in one eye, driving is severely compromised. After a visit to her physician I was severly chastised by that physician when she asked him if she could continue to drive. I had said nothing and he turned to me and told me that I may not like what he said but she should drive for however long she felt like driving. How can we get these seniors off the road with medical responses like that?

There is an intermediate step. Have the person stop driving at night. After 65 years old night vision deteriorates. The eyes do not tolerate glare of oncoming lights which causes a dangerous situation. There should be daylight only licences for people who cannot see at night due to age and other conditions.

This is such an important -- and delicate -- subject.
To see a short video on this topic posted by the Friends of St. John the Caregiver (www.FSJC.org), go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBy5JOOj5dw