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WATCH: 98-Year-Old Gets Her Driver’s License Back So She Can Help Out

By Senior Planet Tuesday, March 18, 2014 10 Comments Share This:

“Ways to Legally Get Your Elderly Parent’s Keys,” “How to Talk to Elderly Adults About Giving up the Keys,” “Seniors behind the wheel: Few kids have the talk” – the web is littered with stories and how-tos about grown kids having “the talk” with their parents.

This video tells the story of Evelyn, a 98-year-old retirement community resident who took back her car keys. When management at the community cut bus service, Evelyn’s neighbor was stuck: she needed transportation to buy her weekly groceries, and without the bus, she feared she would have to move out.

“I’d lost my driver’s license because somebody thought I was too old,” Evelyn says. “I was heartbroken. It made me feel old. It made me feel useless.”

So Evelyn went to get her driver’s license back. She took her test, passed and now accompanies her friend to the grocery store every week. “I’m here on the earth. If I can contribute, I should. Shouldn’t we all?”

“My daughter says, Mother, you shouldn’t do this, you shouldn’t do that. I say, ‘Well, OK.’ And I do what I please.”

Among the comments under this video on YouTube are several from viewers who believe no 96-year-old should be allowed on the road. What do you think? Share your comments by scrolling down or on YouTube.

COMMENTS

10 responses to “WATCH: 98-Year-Old Gets Her Driver’s License Back So She Can Help Out”

Terri Powell:

Friday, December 29, 2017 at 12:23pm

This lady has taken and passed a test How many 30/40yr olds could if they had to take a test after years of driving

Reply to Terri Powell
jorj roberts:

Monday, November 13, 2017 at 11:38pm

‘Most 85 year olds shouldn’t be on the roads’ and if so, looking at the statistics, NO

Reply to jorj roberts
Michelle Dempsey:

Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 3:06pm

Lovely…

Reply to Michelle Dempsey
bonnie:

Sunday, March 23, 2014 at 4:10pm

Thumbs up to you Evelyn. I love to do the same if I’m able and live till 98 . Your generous spirit and loving heart are truely admirable.

Reply to bonnie
Judy W:

Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 10:32pm

Age does not determine one’s ability to drive.
Older people have many decades of driving
experience and can be excellent drivers.
They have fewer accidents than young drivers
with less experience. If they can pass the tests their desire to continue to drive should be respected.

Reply to Judy W
tisa:

Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 9:41pm

Everyone ages differently. If Evelyn’s eyesight, hearing, concentration and reflexes are sufficient to manage the trip to buy groceries, more power to her.

Reply to tisa
pogo:

Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 8:23pm

The Motor Vehicle Drivers’ Test is the criteria for everyone, barring mental and/or physical infirmity and/or anti or asocial behavior. Why should this driver be singled out for denial? She passed. Let’s celebrate her longevity, community spirit and cerebral integrity. Hopefully, her daughter has similar genes and is just being overly solicitous.

Reply to pogo
jean:

Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 7:10pm

Even though I will someday be facing the same problem, I think an age limit on driving should be imposed. We have age requirements for the young for similar reasons- it’s just not safe. Yes, some 98 year olds may be good drivers, but most folks over 85 are a risk on the road. Our eyesight gets worse, our reflexes slow down, and the possibility of a heart attack or stroke while driving endangers others. If you can afford to drive, you can afford a cab. There’s no reason to feel useless or trapped.

Reply to jean
Katarina Wallin, Stockholm:

Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 4:03pm

Right on to the 90+ lady! Driving ability should be judged on individual grounds, not on ignoranc and ageism. Naturally!

Although in general – being a Green Party member in my country, I’m for more collective transport and fewer cars ..

Katarina Wallin
Stockholm

Reply to Katarina Wallin, Stockholm
Lee:

Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 2:23pm

What a super cool lady! I so love the spirit. But…I’m glad she’s not my mother!

Reply to Lee