I attended a conference sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association several months ago, and they had some great tips on talking to elderly loved ones about driving. You say your dad is stubborn, which makes an already difficult conversation harder. I encourage you to visit http://www.seniordrivers.org and read the post about senior driving at http://www.gilbertguide.com.

Also, one of the recommendations from the Alzheimer’s Association that I thought was pretty clever: if, after all reason fails, disable your father’s car temporarily. Ask a mechanic how you can do this safely. It’s better to be safe than sorry! Good luck with the conversation.

Today, here via CoFL

Thanks for posting this thought-provoking blog. The women in my family tend to live well into their nineties; as for the men—well, that’s another story. My grandmother is in her late seventies and she’s extremely active. In fact, I think she probably has more stamina than my mother! I can only hope she’ll stay this active into her eighties and nineties, too.

Ever since I started working for Gilbert Guide (a long-term care resource), I’ve been thinking a lot about what it’s like to be a senior. I’m far more aware than I was before; I always give up my seat on the subway, I offer to carry a senior’s grocery bags if I see someone struggling. In general, I have a much stronger empathy for the challenges of being older. I’m also aware, though, that no one likes to be pitied or looked at as challenged. I was glad to see the number one commandment is respecting one’s parents’ independence. When I’m in my nineties—and if my family’s history is any indication, I’ll make it there—I want to be as close to the young “me” as I possibly can—a lot wiser and perhaps a little more fragile, but still adventurous and too plucky for my own good.

Lori
http://www.GilbertGuide.com