Alternative Driving

Millions of people drive each day, some heading to work, some to vacation destinations, some to entertainment, and some just for fun. Within these millions, there are all types of drivers; aggressive, passive, new, experienced, and elderly to name a few. The elderly comprise of more than 40 million people age 65 and older in the United States and of those 40 million, 34 million are licensed drivers (NHTSA). Elderly driving has become an alarming subject throughout many communities in the United States as it concerns the safety and health of themselves as well as other drivers. One article shares, as 80-year-old Daniel was driving to the grocery store one day, he ran over a curb and hit a trash can. Luckily he was not hurt and his car suffered only minor scratches. Although unscathed, Daniel was emotionally distraught having almost hit a young woman waiting at the bus stop (Older Drivers). This story as well as many others has triggered a crucial debate about the rights and well-being of senior drivers. Most people believe these older drivers should have an age restriction determining when they should and should not be able drive. However, getting older does not mean people lose all capability to drive. In opposition, driving and health tests should be required at the age of 65 to prove they are capable of safe driving rather than revoking their licenses.

The participant stated that he appreciates the benefits of being a senior citizen, the reduced travel, discounted meals, free education, and other incentives advertised towards the elderly. Gerontologists have confidence that the elderly are capable of active and healthy lives. The label of old age is rapidly fading. As supported in my interview with the participant, it is possible to appreciate the same benefits as in middle adulthood. It is also likely for him to have very good physical health, recall his cognitive health, and an outgoing social behavior. Because of

The final stage is the “family in later life”. During this stage, individuals must accept the shifting of generational roles, as they become the grandparents. They must be able to let go of some power to their offspring as they find their new place in the family system. Dealing with this change while facing potential decline in health, financial security, and loss of spouse can be stressful. Grandparenthood can be a reward substitute (Carter & McGoldrick, 1988, p. 20).

After spending an afternoon interviewing my elderly father-in-law, I gained insight into how he perceives the aging process and the impact on the quality of his life. First, and foremost he viewed aging in a very positive and healthy manner. He believes that a positive attitude assists in accepting physical and psychosocial changes and enjoyed the fact that he and his wife are both physically fit and cognitively alert. He felt confident that advances made in health care and the quality of their lives would continue to be empowering. He enjoys the benefits of being a senior citizen including discounted travel, free education, and other incentives marketed towards seniors. He expressed a sense of well-being with respect to the numerous

Transportation is an important aspect in the senior’s population when it comes to getting around to places like their doctor appointment or their daily morning program. Many older adults that do not have a family member to take them around depend on the public transportation such as buses, train, and taxi. In Boston, The MBTA provide a special program called The Ride that provided transportation to the elderly with a low cost. There are also other senior insurance companies that also provide their transportation through other transportation company. More than 20% of American at age 65 years old and older do not drive according to the federal government’s National Household Travel Survey (Abrahms, 2013) and in America, there about 8.4 million

After spending an afternoon interviewing my elderly father-in-law, I gained insight into how he perceives the aging process and the impact on the quality of his life. First, and foremost he viewed aging in a very positive and healthy manner. He believes that a positive attitude assists in accepting physical and psychosocial changes and enjoyed the fact that he and his wife are both physically fit and cognitively alert. He felt confident that advances made in health care and the quality of their lives would continue to be empowering. He enjoys the benefits of being a senior citizen including discounted travel, free education, and other incentives marketed towards seniors. He expressed a sense of well-being with respect to the numerous

Growing up with your grandparents has its benefits. I remember waking up to freshly baked biscuits and fried sliced ham on Saturday mornings just before cartoons. Riding to the pharmacy with my grandfather to pick up his medicine was one of my favorite trips. We would always stop for ice cream before we returned home. Soaking in the knowledge that streamed from the lips of your elders can go unappreciated until you are an adult. Watching people age gives you an understanding of what is important to seniors as they transition to retirement and lonIg-term care. Seniors value the ability to live and enjoy a life that includes independence, family, and home. In today's economy, there is a shortage of health care professionals. Home healthcare services are vital due to the aging US population and need for increased continuum of care.

As a kid being able to drive is a point in our life that we can 't wait to reach. It feel like it’s a new chapter of freedom especially as teenager ranging from 16-18 years old. With the technology astronomically growing day by day our cell phones are becoming a huge distraction when driving. Drivers are putting themselves in hazardous danger, and not just them, but others surrounding them. Being able to drive could go from having a great time to a nightmare within a split of a second by looking down to a “What are you doing?”.

The baby boomer generation adds a new sixty five year old every eight seconds and they have a lot to offer.  InterGENerosity provides both opportunity for employment and receiving in-home assistance with activities of daily living.  Older adults have the skills and

“An eighty-six year old man killed ten people and injured more than seventy when he drove his Buick into a crowded farmers market in California. In Florida, an eighty-four year old woman drove her car through a window of a Sears and into a cash register and employee” (Murphy). Sadly enough, instances like these are becoming more and more prevalent and require immediate action. It is imperative that a more comprehensive approach be taken when deciding the competence of elderly drivers. Laws must be put into action to mandate and administer testing and re-examining of the skills and eligibility of this group. Equally important, we must consider those who will no longer be able to drive, and ensure their transportation and occupational needs

The dangers most elderly drivers create can be prevented. Older people may consider driving the "last connection to freedom and independence"

We all depend on another individual at one point during our life, whether it may have been a parent or guardian in our youth, or a caretaker during your last few years of life. Meals on Wheels provided meals to clients all over the United States that have been dependent on volunteers. These elderly individuals of the community depend on volunteers throughout the country each day to receive a prepared meal that would lower the food expenses in their monthly budgets. Before I began Meals on Wheels, I gained excitement by learning that the route consisted of elders that would most likely be the only interaction they would receive throughout the day. Within the article, “What we don’t

Socialization can be especially difficult because they prefer being around people of other generations. Normally transportation is easy, but older people are having their driving licenses taken away by the city. Using alternate transportation systems, such as buses, may also prove difficult. They aren’t always aware where the stations are or where they lead, especially if they’ve driven themselves all their life. When seniors are restricted to their homes, they can only socialize with those around them, and even so, most of the residents stay in their room and exclude themselves from others.

Many seniors have turned to us for senior citizen transportation. For those who previously were able to drive, no longer being able to do so can be cause for depression, and withdrawal. Having to depend on family, or friends to drive them around can make seniors feel like a burden. While this is far from the truth, the loss of some independence can

Granny, I know you’ve never been in an accident, but Lord knows how many you’ve caused! Although I love my grandmother dearly, I must admit that a few of my grey hairs are courtesy of her driving. As the years passed, my grandmother’s driving progressively got worse. However, there is no test administered to the elderly which determines whether or not they are fit to drive. While my Granny was creating mayhem on the streets, I realized how much a drivers’ test for the elderly was needed. Elderly drivers impose possible threats on others, as well as themselves, and could also be paying excess money on unnecessary insurance.