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There are a number of reasons elderly people should be re-tested to maintain their license. One, as people age, they are more likely to have physical health problems which could affect their driving skills. Two, the elderly are likely to have mental health problems which could affect their concentration behind the wheel. Lastly, elderly people should be re-tested to maintain their license because they could have failing cognitive skills.

There are many physical health problems that the elderly may have. This includes eyesight problems, arthritis, slower reaction time, hearing difficulties, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and sleep disorders. Any of these could lessen driving skills or at the very least distract the elderly from focusing on the road.

In terms of mental health issues, the elderly are more likely to suffer from depression, dementia and substance abuse disorders. Between the distraction and the impairment these issues cause, it could be dangerous to let an untested elderly person drive a car.

The elderly can also have failing cognitive skills. There is ample anecdotal evidence that the older a person is, the more likely they are to have a diminished mental capacity. This could directly affect the safe driving ability of an elderly person and others on the road.

While I realize there are many, many elderly people who have excellent driving skills well into their later years, the facts suggest some will have problems. If the elderly were tested regularly, it would help maintain safety on the road for all people, elderly or not.

Learn more about this author, Maggie Madison.
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