I have to go to the Glenn County Seniors board meeting this morning. As the designated driver of course. And one of the topics on our agenda is the subject of elders and driving. A sensitive subject. The actuarial tables tell us that we’re still ‘good to go’ when it comes to driving. But what about that time when you have to come to grips with the fact that you’re not as good a driver as you once were? OK, wrong word; you can be a ‘good’ driver and not be a safe and competent one. “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak”
And this subject is one that isn’t mentioned very often in places like the Planet Orland. Why not? There are few alternative forms of transport for the elder who gives up their keys. What’s a rural elder to do? No easy answers here.
No easy answers here. It’s hard to imagine losing that freedom. I’ve been driving for the past 52+ years and it’s a major part of my life. At some point we have to think about moving to a location where walking is a viable alternative. Or a bus. Taxi? I can only hope that we have it all figured out before the time comes for us to give up our driving privileges.
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