It’s not easy for people to give up that last vestige of perceived ‘freedom.’ My Mom is 83 and still drives quite well - they just renewed her license. I do notice a few more ‘door & bumper dings’ in her car than there should be. Her roommate is a dozen years younger and will drive Mom around when the time comes.
I’m 60, and I already HATE driving at night and refuse to do so. But, I also live Rural, so getting anywhere is a major production, not to mention all the wildlife that just LOVE to hang out in the road, day AND night!
I kept Dad happy by driving him (just about) anywhere he wanted to go, and as time went on, that became less and less as he deteriorated. I tried my hardest for him to keep his (perceived) sense of autonomy for as long as possible.
He was so funny, though. He’d tell ANYONE that would listen how he generously GAVE his car to me because HE felt it was time for him to stop driving. I didn’t argue the point. Ever. ;)
I love your stories about your Dad.
My late husband’s Alzheimers became evident the day I saw him pull into the driveway after Mass, escorted by TWO State Police vehicles.
“what did he do now,” I asked myself.
He had gotten lost on his way home, on a route he had driven a hundred times. A kind passerby checked him out where he was parked, and called the police for him. (he never owned a cellphone.)
The young officer said, “ Ma’am, I recommend that you pull your husband’s license.”
I did. That was the last time he drove. But he never stopped looking for his car keys every day, rummaging through every drawer in the house.