Driving Past 65?

Yes, yes, and most definitely yes. Of course, I believe everyone should have a right to drive. However, for a person to be over the age of 65 and still driving without being routinely examined is a high risk. Florida should adopt a mandatory testing for drivers over the age of 65. There is enough to worry about whenever someone steps out of their home, now someone would have to worry about driving on the road. Requiring testing of drivers over the age of 65 will decrease the possible fatalities on the road. It does not hurt to add extra precaution to something. Putting in this plan will help everyone. The persons over the age of 65 will realize it is for their best interest. This will prevent accidents from happening. There are so many options for the elderly when transportation is concerned if being the driver of the vehicle is not an option. Most cities have public transportation (bus), private transportation (retirement and nursing facilities), and carpool services for the elderly. Most of these options are free or at a discount rate. If people can go yearly for eye exam than a driving test should not be an issue. You either know how to drive or not; safely.

Aging Stereotypes

No matter what age group a person is in, there is a stereotype for it. The elderly tend to get harsher opinions from others. The elderly are typically considered to be very slow when doing daily functions, not up-to-date about what is going on currently in the world or society, bad drivers, and out of shape physically. These stereotypes are used so much because these are what typically seen. On the other hand, now people are living longer. As for being slow, a lot of older people these days have more energy than me. Everyday in the media there is something new about an older person doing something athletic or fast activity such as marathons. The reason people believe the elderly is not up-to-date because they are from a different generation. On the contrary, they have interest to keep up with current events especially dealing with issues concerning them.

I remember watching the news a long time ago and it was about an elderly woman graduating with her masters. It was amazing to hear because this older woman had a goal and did not let people’s opinions or her age to stop her from accomplishing it. The two stereotypes that tops the rest is bad drivers and out of shape. I do not believe all older people are bad drivers and are out of shape. I think it is a case-by-case basis because some older people have vision and focus issues; not all. In society today, health is more important than ever. Everyday new studies are coming out on how to maintain your health and how to live longer. Older people are staying in shape by participating in activities that promote good health. As mentioned before, older people are participating in athletic activities and competitions such as marathons. All of these stereotypes are just society’s opinions or views about the elderly but, stereotypes are not information to be perceived as facts.