In a letter to the editor in a newspaper, the writer stated that "People over 96 years old should not be driving anymore. They should not be given a driver’s license after that age." Explain why you either agree or disagree with this statement. Think about what you have learned about the aging process, sensory changes, changes in reaction times, and changes in memory/cognition when answering. Also consider the potential for ageism in the views of elderly drivers. What role should psychologists who focus on late adulthood play in the drafting and implementation of laws concerning aging drivers?

Explanation:

I am listed as being 81 years old. That will be literally true this coming December.

My family doctor will likely  write a report that will renew my license, but not before he checks the following.

1. My hand eye coordination (good. I can still juggle 3 balls. I used to be able to do 4 balls and 3 pins and 6 back and forth between 2 people)

2. He will check my eyesight. I need glasses. He will note that on his medical summary. Lord help me if I ever drive without my glasses.

3. I'm very hard of hearing. He'll not that but it will not count against me.

4. He will check how my memory works. In Alberta, you are asked to name what's on your shopping list. It's a stupid question and I get around it by naming what I want alphabetically.

Apples

Bananas (I hate bananas)

Cabbage (ditto Cabbage)

Devils Food Angel Cake

How far can you go before you get stuck?

5. He will check whether I put my keys in the refrigerator. I don't. I pass that part of the test.

I get my licence renewed every 2 years. The provincial government foots the cost of the license (93 dollars Canadian) but not the cost of the Doctor's time. That's OK. I get to visit with him. He doesn't want to charge me but that's the law.

I'm perfectly capable of driving in all kinds of conditions. In fact it is a necessity. When I get blood work done (everybody my age has something not working correctly. Mine is blood), it can take up to 6 hours (not including the 2 to get there and back if I go to the University Hospital). Nobody will drive me the 35 or 100 km (depending on what has to be done determines which hospital I go to -- the small one or the University hospital) if it takes 4 to 6 hours to correct my problem.  There is no transportation to either hospital except by ambulance and no one can afford that.

You can take all the statistics you want but it all boils down to need. If you want to provide transportation for me that takes me and picks me up, I'd gladly give up my driver's license. That would be a terrible expense.

So stats or no stats, I need that license. And I'm capable. My current car has 300,000 km on it (187,000 miles). Accident free. I am not free from making a claim. A clever crook stole my Catalytic converter which contains at least an ounce of platinum (worth 800 dollars US). That was a 25% increase in my insurance. That had nothing to do with my driving skills. Only where I live.