One of the most traumatic and upsetting experiences for an older adult is relinquishing the ability to operate an automobile. Some older adults who possess cognitive ability can understand the need to give up the keys. Others with memory or other cognitive problems find this extremely difficult as they remember always being a safe and good driver. They do not understand or realize that their cognitive issues pose a safety risk for others but instead focus on the fact that they continue to be a good driver. As we age we all become less able to do things we once did with ease. This occurs not only physically but mentally. Years ago I could run six miles with ease; today doing the same exercise takes more effort. It’s difficult to disagree with the fact that as we age we cannot operate at the same level of physical and mental ability we did when we were young. Sometimes relating this fact to the ability to drive makes it easier for an older adult to understand why it’s important to give up the car keys.
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