Rosemary Goes for a Drive
Rosemary Goes for a Drive
In the afternoon, Rosemary feels like she should get out of the house and go grocery shopping to replenish the juice and soda that was used at the party. No one is scheduled to visit, but Rosemary wants to be ready just in case. Century Five Market is only two miles away from her home, but Rosemary feels like it is getting farther away. She drives a 1983 Ford LTC station wagon; it was top of the line when her husband purchased it. The car still runs well and it has very few miles on it for its age. Rosemary’s son pesters her to get a new car or let him drive her to the market. She likes to drive and does not want to bother her son with a silly thing like grocery shopping. Rosemary is concerned that she may need to take him up on his offer to drive her to the store; it seems like she is playing the lottery every time she takes her car for a smog check. Her car reminds her of her husband and the time that they spent together. Buying a new car would end that chapter of her life. She does not want to tell anyone this, because she will get the “it is time to move on” lecture. She still misses her husband.
Rosemary feels that she may need her son to drive her to the store in the future, but she wants to be independent as long as possible because her son is so busy. Secretly, Rosemary would like to know when her son is coming over next so she can plan for it.
Rosemary finishes her grocery shopping after a conversation with an acquaintance. She gets in her car and begins to back out of the parking space. Someone is honking at her. There is a car waiting for her spot and they seem very anxious to have it. Rosemary feels a little rushed, but backs out her long station wagon safely despite her short stature and inability to see over the back seat. Rosemary heads home driving slowly.
Elderly Drivers – Safety Tips for Seniors on the Road
- Have eyes checked regularly
- Take your time
- Avoid distractions
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how your medication may affect your driving
- Avoid tailgating and allow extra room between you and the car in front of you
- Slow down
- Keep your eyes open at cross walks and stop lights
- Know your car
- Maintain your car well (good tires and working headlights)
- Take an approved driving course for seniors from AAA http://www.seniordrivers.org/home/
Or AARP
http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/transportation/driver_safety/
These courses can assist seniors with driving tips and outline health changes that may affect their driving.