I went early to the quarterly TRIAD meeting in Sykesville so that I could get a close-in parking place and not have to climb a mountain to get to my destination. . A lady from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration talked to us about driving testing for seniors who no longer can function as careful car drivers. She gave us some illustrated examples of drivers in their late 80's and 90's who caused accidents because of weakened capabilities. She was quick to point out that not all seniors are dangerous drivers.
Policemen in Maryland are asked (required?) to contact the MVA if they suspect that an elderly person is having trouble driving. Experts at the MVA examine each case and figure out what is best for the driver in terms of safety for themselves as well as others. Some policemen are reluctant to be too aggressive on this issue, because of the possible charge of age discrimination.
Some states require those over 65 to have their physical and mental capabilities reexamined every time their licenses are up for renewal. I believe that one state requires that at age 50. (Congratulations! You are now eligible for AARP membership and will be able to take our little test every year from now on.)
For years, Maryland legislators tried to get bills passed to require mandatory retesting of senior citizens, and each year it was killed in committee. (Because seniors vote.) Finally, the bills stopped coming. When I taught Safe Driving for 7 years for AARP, whenever I mentioned such bills, I got a resounding chorus of Boos.
At the meeting, we also discussed telephone scams and I was surprised to learn that some of the attendees were actually interacting on the phone with scammers. It might be fun to string them along, but they really don't mind because they know that there is a person on this telephone who will talk with them ... and, sooner or later, they will getcha!
I remarked that we, at the Carroll County TRIAD, suggest strongly that people get caller-id and an answering machine. Never... Never... even pick up the phone when the caller-id shows a name or legend that you don't know.. and even some legitimate names, like "IRS" represent scammers, because IRS does not call people. Also, remember that the "Do Not Call" program has so many restrictions that it is basically useless.
After the TRIAD meeting, I rushed back to Westminster for my Hearing Aid appointment. I was given a little electronic device that allows me to raise or lower the volume. I had one on my old hearing aid and liked it a lot.. When someone I don't want to listen to is flapping their lips next to my right ear, I can lower the volume and not have to listen. They also gave me some smaller ear plugs... the ones I was using would get stuck in my ear canal and have to be pulled out with tweezers.
Ain't it great to get old!
I also had to use my cane for most of the day... my left hip is giving me fits. Just another ailment to suffer with.
Yes... I'm a senior citizen.....
o I'm awake many hours before my body allows me to get up.
o I'm smiling all the time because I can't hear a thing you're saying.
o I'm very good at telling stories: over and over and over and over ... (Just ask my family.)
o I'm not really grouchy.
o I'm so cared for .. long term care, eye care, private care, dental care... etc.
o I'm very good at opening childproof caps.. at least with a hammer.
o I'm sure everything I can't find is in a safe secure place, somewhere.
(Somebody sent me this, but, of course, I can't remember who.)
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