Driving Miss Daisy in Santa Cruz, Ca

Driving Missy Daisy conjures up an idyllic relationship of the past with an older woman and their relationship with driving. This brings to mind the older population and their and our concern with driving. Being younger and having seen and heard many comments regarding older drivers, we all know there is something to be said regarding this issue. Driving around Santa Cruz, I see this time to time of the older population as well as the younger population. Santa Cruz is a beautiful area that has a wide variety of driving conditions, depending on where you are, and the season. You need to be vigilant even without the distractions of a cell phone!

As seniors get older, their faculties start to diminish. There are the usual aches and pains, then, there are the mental function diminishments that vary with time. That being said one of the greater changes that afflict many has to do with losing their eyesight and therefore their mobility and independence. This lack of independence is what burdens them, and their children greatly. Not only do they lose their ability to take care of some of their basic needs of obtaining food, and getting to the ever present doctors visits, but more importantly they lose their power of mobility.

More than anything I think it means the realization that life is changing and not for the better. It is in part, a loss of power, a dependence on others that is fought vigorously, usually. The denial that they can't see, that their hearing is going, is the start the downward trend. The first signs that you may see are the little dings or dents to the car that they see as insignificant. Other signs may be that their clothes that have more stains, and that the TV is turned up loud.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles is aware of the effects of age, and has different levels of restriction based upon cognitive tests. If you are concerned about a relative, parent or neighbor, you can report them to the DMV, anonymously to have them re- evaluated at their next licensing. If they are unsafe, the not only endanger themselves, but the lives of others. There is an online test that may be interesting on the AARP website that can help spot areas of concern. Might be fun to challenge your parent to see who is better or smarter as a guise to get sense of where they are on this issue if they are in denial. The online driving test by AARP is worth checking out at any age.

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