by Althia Ellis

Created on: December 03, 2008

You should consider yourself privileged if you own a car and are a licensed and insured driver. I enjoy being able to get around independently with no waiting and no hassle! This is not so for millions of older adults who are no longer able to drive for various reasons. Some have never experienced the freedom that comes from being independently mobile. It is a life-altering experience for many seniors to stop driving after many years, and this is what more and more of them are facing. Their ability to drive an automobile allows them to feel fulfilled. It is a way of life for them.

Let's face it, the need for many older adults to promote personal well-being, enhance quality of life, and maintain personal dignity will always fuel their need to remain mobile.

I can't say I blame them. Their mobility provides access to health care, social services, recreational activities, and for some, employment.

This explains largely why seniors insist on driving longer these days and in larger numbers. If there is any doubt that this is true, just observe the drivers around you, in your neighborhood, on your way to work, or going to the movies.

Several years ago when my parents finally decided to move to South Florida, they had to confront the big challenge of transportation. My father does not drive and my mother was not accustomed to driving in the United States. While chatting with her one day, she told me that she was preparing to attend driving school.

She surprised me!

She said that she did not want to burden me, or anyone else for that matter, with transporting her and my father. After all, at the time she was a young fifty-something who wanted to remain independent, and nothing was going to stop her. I was proud to hear of her decision and quickly offered my support. Within days, my mother had selected a driving school and was soon engaged in driving lessons.

She was proud of herself and expressed her excitement about the whole experience. She successfully completed her driving course!

This was one of the best decisions she has ever made, and a decision that has positively impacted her lifestyle, and my father's. As expected, the first few days driving solo was a bit intimidating, but my mother is the fearless type. Not long afterwards, she was whipping along the streets of her neighborhood. "It's as if I've been driving all my life", she quipped.

My father, on the other hand, is satisfied with being chauffeured around town. He also enjoys riding his bike in the neighborhood

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