Is medical testing for senior drivers discriminatory? It’s a fact in British Columbia that those over 80 need to submit themselves to mandatory testing if they want to keep driving, but are we setting an unfair precedent for elders in general? There are those who say the test is necessary given the natural deterioration of the aging body, but those against mandatory testing say if medical concerns are the primary reason for the tests, then testing should begin at 40, right when issues first arise.
Some families, finding refusing their elderly parents and relatives their right to drive an awkward encounter, even go so far as to render their cars inoperable just to convince them to not drive.
The truth is our physical and mental awareness inevitably diminish the older we become, and while the elderly may feel marginalized, their diminished abilities leave room for doubt in regard to their safety and others when they’re behind the wheel of a car. Having a frank discussion with your parents as early as possible about driving may lead to saving their lives. In addition, if the thought of taking driving privileges away from your parents leaves you holding the car keys, consider hiring a caregiver (such as those we handle) who can take over driving duties for you.
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