When is it time to stop driving?

After all, driving is the last symbol of independence for the elderly.  And generally the older drivers drive  too slowly to cause major accidents. But when they do kill, it always makes headlines.

Here are 11  huge obstacles  elderly drivers face.

1. Peripheral vision

2. Distance Judgment

3. Speed and gap perception

4. Neck and shoulder stiffness

5. Slower response times

6. Individual medical problems

7. Cars with complicated gadgetry

8. Weather conditions

9. Adapting to glare from oncoming traffic

10. Too many distractions such as signs and billboards

11. Not being able to hear sirens and horns

Here are some of the solutions:

Australia: Mandatory testing by a doctor every year

Japan: Incentives to stop driving such as  discounted chiropractic appointments  and free delivery from department stores

Canada: Possible limited driver’s licenses- one size does not fit all

Germany: Voluntary health checks, but mainly more driving help such as available driving schools for older drivers

U.S. More user-friendly cars for the elderly.  (The Ford Focus is the top selling car for elderly drivers in the UK who are over 65 because it is easy to manage and has seats that are the right height.)

Here are more questions:

1. What if we take the car away too early? Older people would be forced to go into nursing homes and assisted living.  That means more expenses and busy families would have to take over running errands.

2. Aren’t accidents caused by people of all ages?

For example, for 44 years my Dad used to keep the phone number of a commercial glass company beside his typewriter because so many customers  of all ages used to drive  through the side plate glass window at his drugstore.

3. What about cell phones? How many elderly drivers are causing accidents while on the phone?

4. Who’s really watching 16-year-olds? What about their driving record as a group?  Is that  something to brag about?

5. What about the areas where traffic laws are not enforced?  Is it really the aggressive older drivers who are speeding, running red lights, and tailgating on a regular basis?

Driving is still  a major  necessity for people of all ages.  Taking the keys away from an elderly driver should be done only as a last resort.

Popularity: 18% [?]

• In-Home Health Care for the Elderly Trumps Over Nursing Homes Nursing homes as we know them may be coming a thing of the past. We're looking at a big shift in the elder care industry. Warehousing the elderly in nursing homes may become a thing of the past, and I'm glad to see this changed....
• When You Become Your Parents' Nursing Home Issues you will be facing with your aging parents such as driving mishaps, denial of need, and role reversals are discussed as you become your parents' nursing home.......
• Upscale Nursing Home Residents Still Need Advocates I was shocked to hear the story of my 91- year- old friend being traumatized by the Alzheimer's patient from across the hall....
• Nursing Home Visit Complete With Lindbergh Story, Visiting Baby Burros and a Tornado Warning Is Anything But Dull How could I have ever thought a nursing home visit could be dull? Yesterday My 82-year old Dad and I visited a nursing home in Brentwood, Tennessee. I had no idea it would become an adventure. We were visiting a 97-year old lady who told us a childhood story of......
• How to Avoid Nursing Homes Will you really have to go to a nursing home at some point in your life? No, according to experts. Aging in the comfort and security of your own home is now a reality....

• Planning for Your Retirement The Smart Way As millions of aging baby boomers start contemplating how they are going to survive when they’re no longer working, retirement planning has hit an all time high. Whether you’re just starting out in the workforce, or you’re staring 62 in the face and wondering where the money is going to......
• Sunday Money Roundup - Amex Gold Card Points Edition. I have written before about how I have used points from various cards and programs (like MyPoints, which I love) to get free merchandise and trips, but I am finally ready to trade in my American Express Gold Business Card points on something worthwhile. I haven't decided on exactly what,......
• Online prices for some postage will be a little cheaper The US Postal Service will be raising their prices on Monday, May 12th, 2008. The first-class stamp won't be the only service that will be getting more expensive. The Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes will also be getting more expensive. These are the services I use to mail......
• Seizing Unique Opportunities—Do the Risks Outweigh the Value? There’s an old saying that you can’t win if you don’t play the game. And, it’s true for real estate. If you don’t take the plunge, you can’t collect the money. But, at what point do you decide the risk is worth it?...
• Money Hacks Carnival #6 - Famous Hackers Edition Welcome To Money Matters & Welcome to Money Hacks Carnival #6 - Famous Hackers Edition! I am blessed to be hosting the 6th edition of the Money Hacks Carnival. The Money Hackers Network, and this Carnival are the brain-child of our good friend Pinyo over at Moolanomy.com (one of......