Even with these options and strategies, there will come a time when driving is no longer the best idea. “Chronological age is not a predictor,” says Lynda Lambert of AAA. “What counts is performance, as well as physical and mental fitness.” It may be obvious when the time comes, but Lynda and Rita Morrow of AARP offer a few signs of diminished capacity that may indicate it’s time to turn in the keys. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Have I had a series of minor crashes?
- Are there dings and dents on my vehicle that I can’t explain?
- Do I get lost more often or fail to recognize once-familiar roads?
- Am I unable to read or understand road signs?
- Are other drivers honking at me frequently?
- Have family and friends, or even police officers, talked to me about my driving?
Even when the day arrives, take heart. The inability to drive no longer means staying home or being dependent on a family member. “I used to tell my daughter that she could hire me a driver to be at my disposal,” Rita says. “But now, I know I will just call Uber or buy a self-driving car. It’s not going to slow me down.”
P.S. Lift your mood and consider getting a pet!
BY MEGAN S. WILLMAN
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