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1 Bob Levin  Thu, Aug 30, 2012 10:50:56am

I have a feeling that most of us have similar stories. Especially with parents who live in another state--and have no other way getting to the grocery store, the doctor, the pharmacy. And their hearts are made of steel and leather, tough people. Frail, but tough.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Walmart get into the social service business. They have the goods, they just need the fleet.

2 b_snark  Thu, Aug 30, 2012 11:34:30am

Just shoot me.

Seriously, if I get that old and get behind the wheel, shoot me.

My dad is 80 and I'm thinking of yanking his keys away.

3 Bob Dillon  Thu, Aug 30, 2012 12:05:21pm

I live in a gated senior community where the average age is 78. Everyone knows that the standard rules of the road are suspended when entering. Defensive driving at its peak. And there are many 90+ year olds who drive just fine. Others, not so fine. The good news is that most residents support their neighbors if they have transportation needs and we have a medical clinic just outside the gate along with a shopping center. The police do not bother anyone driving their golf carts to to grocery store or doctors office. However, last year one elderly resident driver clipped another resident waiting at a bus stop and killed him. Didn't even realize what he had done. The DMV lets too many seniors and senior-seniors keep their licenses out of compassion and hardship to the detriment of the general population. There are options for those in need thru local social services. Its not convenient but better than the outcome in this story.

4 Decatur Deb  Thu, Aug 30, 2012 12:08:47pm

re: #2 b_sharp

Just shoot me.

Seriously, if I get that old and get behind the wheel, shoot me.

My dad is 80 and I'm thinking of yanking his keys away.

It varies. My FIL was 86 when he dropped his Harley, and couldn't pick it up. He sold it then, and shot himself a couple months later.

5 Destro  Thu, Aug 30, 2012 12:19:11pm

I know it's anti-American to say this but we really do not need cars that are for commuting in the city to be that big and that heavy and that fast.

6 Locker  Thu, Aug 30, 2012 2:40:08pm

Destro man you have a really interesting take on what is and is not anti-American. I would recommend that you quit worrying about it and just say your piece. I can tell you right now, I'm an American, I served in the first Gulf War as a member of the U.S. Army and I just bought a VW Golf TDI (diesel).

If anyone says I'm anti-American for not buying some cheap ass piece of shit that falls apart in 3 years they can kiss my star spangled ass.

7 Ben G. Hazi  Thu, Aug 30, 2012 2:45:32pm

re: #4 Decatur Deb

It varies. My FIL was 86 when he dropped his Harley, and couldn't pick it up. He sold it then, and shot himself a couple months later.

Damn, man, that's rough.

8 CarolJ  Thu, Aug 30, 2012 4:19:01pm

This is what underfunding public transit does. I think a lot more people would stop driving when they get too old if they could be sure they could catch a bus at reasonable times and places, and if they could get some assistance.

Limos for the People
We need a publicly funded chauffeur service. Limos for the elderly! Ride in style and on call in a car that's big and comfortable. If you can't drive anymore, let us ride you around in the luxury you've earned. Unlike jitneys and bootlegs, our drivers are licensed, bonded and background checked. 24 hour service unlike other forms of transportation, door-to-door. Never have to wake the kids up again or have them take time off from work for needed errands!

9 b_snark  Thu, Aug 30, 2012 4:36:57pm

re: #4 Decatur Deb

It varies. My FIL was 86 when he dropped his Harley, and couldn't pick it up. He sold it then, and shot himself a couple months later.

I know his death brought pain to those who loved him, and I feel for you, but I agree with his decision. In my opinion, quality of life is far more important than length of life. When I recognize my quality of life has dropped as far as I'm willing to deal with, I'll decide my own time of death.


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