When my mom was around 64-65 years old she was driving home from a shopping trip with six of her grandchildren. They lived out in the country and the town was 35 miles from her home. She made it about three quarters of the way home and had a sudden headache and her vision went whacky. She pulled over until whatever was happening went away. She said about 10-15 minutes. It was probably a TIA. She had some of these instances while at home. With her grandchildren in the van she just made up her mind to never drive again. As far as I know she never did. She passed away this August of a brain bleed from a major stroke at the age of 92. She had several mild strokes over the last 15 years. They became more frequent.. one in December of last year and one in June of this year. The one in June was a bit worse. I think she had several mini-strokes each month. Frequently complaining of sudden headaches and vision changes. Mild dementia had been with her since a mild stroke in 2016. She had hallucinations. Some of them were like nightmares and she was very scared..

Myself, at this age of 69 I have trouble finding words, remembering names, and where I put something. I drive, but not often. Just to my doctor appointments that my husband cannot come to. He has driven me a couple of times when I did not get enough sleep or had to take an antihistamine that does not play well with other medications I take... my mind gets muddled, dull in thoughts and reactions.

My husband is 70 years old. I notice he sometimes has little memory moments. I notice he doesn't ride car bumpers like he used to when he drives. He seems very aware of other drivers.. you have to be here. There is a law against texting and driving, but that stops no one here. I used to walk in my neighborhood.. there are no side walks. I have had cars almost hit me because they are wobbling from one side of the road to the other because the driver is texting. New apartments and a Neighborhood WalMart have increased traffic on our street.

We just need to take note of our abilities as we age.. pay attention to what others notice.

If you love to drive it is hard to give up. It is also hard when you cannot pay for taxis, or buses or do not have family or friends to take you. We try to have a game plan here. We do have gracious neighbors that will help us if needed.

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