At what age do you stop driving?

Posted by cathy58 @cathy58, Feb 19 9:46am

I am 65 and since November 2023 I have had some pretty good health issues and have had cataract surgery. My daughter who does not live with me has been driving my car so if I needed to go somewhere her or one of my grandchildren would take me. So now she doesn’t really think I should be driving anymore because now I’m on oxygen. Do I give up driving and sell my car? What would you do?

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It's a good question. I feel I'd check out other resources first. Are you in a rural or urban area? Is there other transparent--like taxis, or Uber, or Lyft? If so, I'd try one out. If urban and pleasant, a good bus system is a great help. Also, in some places there are free senior lift services--usually for medical appointments and food shopping. Personally, I'd investigate so I wasn't totally depending on the family. And then try a mix of things. From your note, I don't get the impression that you are strongly hoping to keep driving. I don't think it is a matter of age so much as feeling ok behind the wheel. What would you prefer?

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If I might ask, what does being on oxygen have to do with it? I keep seeing TV commercials for portable oxygen concentrators, and apparently a big advantage is that they make driving easier.

Anyway, I had to take a break from driving when I had a stroke. That was five years ago.

I slowly regained enough muscle control to be able to drive, but I fatigue quickly, so I don't go very far.

That's kind of a long way of saying that I'll quit driving when I no longer believe I can drive safely.

My condition is different from others, I know. For those who are physically able but challenged by dementia, it's a different story -- they may not be aware that they're a hazard.

Every case is different, and I don't think a specific age plays a role.

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I agree with you about not wanting to depend on my family for things I need to do. I live in town so yes there is other transportation I could take. I have asked my daughter to take me driving since it has been a few months and I won’t lie I’m a little nervous. If I don’t drive should I just let her have my car or do I sell it? It’s a 2020 Kia and it’s paid off.

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@mir123

It's a good question. I feel I'd check out other resources first. Are you in a rural or urban area? Is there other transparent--like taxis, or Uber, or Lyft? If so, I'd try one out. If urban and pleasant, a good bus system is a great help. Also, in some places there are free senior lift services--usually for medical appointments and food shopping. Personally, I'd investigate so I wasn't totally depending on the family. And then try a mix of things. From your note, I don't get the impression that you are strongly hoping to keep driving. I don't think it is a matter of age so much as feeling ok behind the wheel. What would you prefer?

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See my comment below.
Thanks for talking to me about this.

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@scottrl

If I might ask, what does being on oxygen have to do with it? I keep seeing TV commercials for portable oxygen concentrators, and apparently a big advantage is that they make driving easier.

Anyway, I had to take a break from driving when I had a stroke. That was five years ago.

I slowly regained enough muscle control to be able to drive, but I fatigue quickly, so I don't go very far.

That's kind of a long way of saying that I'll quit driving when I no longer believe I can drive safely.

My condition is different from others, I know. For those who are physically able but challenged by dementia, it's a different story -- they may not be aware that they're a hazard.

Every case is different, and I don't think a specific age plays a role.

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I myself don’t think it has anything to do with it. My daughter says she doesn’t think I should go out by myself with oxygen just incase something would go wrong

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Cathy- It seems a good consult, and perhaps some training sessions with an Occupational Therapist could help you decide what you can reasonably handle. Ask your doctor for a recommendation. Medicare or insurance may pay for this.

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i don't think age is an important factor here. myself, i chose to quit driving about 5 years ago. what with being a diabetic. at that time i was struggling with getting my glucose under control. which meant it would drop unexpectedly. even while driving. luckily no accidents. now, it's under control better. but i just still don't feel safe to start driving again. with some other health issues. with that said. your health should be the driving decision maker. not your age. good luck, d

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Cathy can't you just keep the arrangement that you now have with your daughter...good luck !

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@cathy58
I have Epilepsy and I'm not going to allow it to dictate my life. I am allowed to drive so I do. I didn't drive for about 45 years because I was having frequent seizures. Besides having my licence revoked I wasn't willing to take a chance. I haven't had a seizure since 2019. There is usually a one year restriction after a seizure in California. Anything can happen to anyone at any time, your daughter and grandkids included. My brother was driving to get garden supplies when he had his first seizure. He was critically injured. There are 16 Countries if your diagnosed with Epilepsy that never allow you to drive again.
Does it bother you to depend on others? I did me. I want to be as independent as I can. It makes me feel better about myself.
Take care,
Jake

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@jakedduck1

@cathy58
I have Epilepsy and I'm not going to allow it to dictate my life. I am allowed to drive so I do. I didn't drive for about 45 years because I was having frequent seizures. Besides having my licence revoked I wasn't willing to take a chance. I haven't had a seizure since 2019. There is usually a one year restriction after a seizure in California. Anything can happen to anyone at any time, your daughter and grandkids included. My brother was driving to get garden supplies when he had his first seizure. He was critically injured. There are 16 Countries if your diagnosed with Epilepsy that never allow you to drive again.
Does it bother you to depend on others? I did me. I want to be as independent as I can. It makes me feel better about myself.
Take care,
Jake

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that's the point of this discussion. it is your right to still drive if you feel comfortable enough to do it. nobody but the law has the right to say you can't.it's up to each individual to decide this point. like i said. i don't feel comfortable MYSELF, and only me. and if you do and can. i say more power to you. d

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