Elder Drivers

Driving in today's society is dangerous and heavily unregulated, but it includes an increased risks for many elders. Overall, the driving requirements for individuals are not up to par because recent health diagnoses and regular testing are not taken into consideration. When I was taking my driver education course in high school I was permitted to waive the driving test because I got an A in the class. While this seemed beneficial during the time I received it, knowing that so many drivers may not be tested is a scary thought. Elders in Florida should be required to take a test deeming them eligible to drive, especially if they have chronic illnesses that might further limit their driving abilities. The test should be fair and a impartial individual, who would not discriminate solely on age, should administer the testing. If a person fails the test they should be given the opportunity to receive continuing education to improve their driving if it would prove effective based on their health/physiological condition. For the most part, the need for a driving test is not based solely on their age but the combination of chronic illnesses associated with age that might cause increased accident risks. If I had a say in the way driving regulations get determined, I would have any person with a severe illness that impairs driving receive testing as well. The same way a person who has a seizure can not drive for a determined amount of time, I think other people with diseases that can severely alter driving abilities get the same treatment. When I reach a certain age and can no longer react or see properly there would be no question in my mind: I would stop driving. It might seem unfair to have a person take a test based on their age, but many leisure and professional activities in the United States have age requirements for a number of reasons. Hopefully with further research and continuing driver education programs, an age-based driving tested wont be need until greater age ranges like 85-90.

Aging Stereotypes

The common stereotype that I have expressed about the elderly have to due with Stubbornness. At the moment, I work at call center where I troubleshoot a variety of different cable issues. When I get an older customer on the line I treat them as I would any other customer. However, as soon as I start to talk I often am told "Can you speak louder, your voice is very soft." I try to be understanding because I know that hearing does decline with age and is not their fault, but the only problem I have is that I am blamed for haoicving a 'soft ve'. This is probably attributed to hearing loss being seen as an unwanted sign of old age in our society, but even so the truth of the matter is it makes the phone call more stressful for me and possibly for them as well. The call will usually end with either a quick fix, but at times the customer is unwilling to troubleshoot with me because of physical limitation (e.g. recent surgery, disability), lack of understanding the instructions, or the reason " I am too old to be doing this". Another stereotype that I am guilty of having is that elderly individuals have to repeat their opinions or dislike repeatedly. Psychologically I feel this might tie into the reduction in hearing and the need to make their point clear. When I am talking to an elderly person it makes me feel like they feel I am not competent enough to understand their question or statement. Some of the stereotypes are true, such as hearing lose but the personality that comes along is based on their individual perception of thinking. I know that all elderly people do not display these traits because I have dealt with very nice elderly people who hear fine, but it is hard to not think of stereotypes when approaching situations with elders. In some ways people use stereotyping as a precaution in how to handle certain people and the situations that may arise. I hope that this class will help me let go of certain predisposed views of the elderly and treat person I encounter as an individual with their own ideas, thoughts, behaviors, and medical issues that are not associated with age.