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Sometimes indignation can spiral out of control as you get older.
The problem is, it becomes more and more frequent and pushes up your blood
pressure.
Here’s the latest issue to do it – a suggestion that all motorists over 65 should retake
their driving test.
The guy pushing for this ridiculous change argues there are ‘older people who
shouldn’t be behind the wheel’ and is petitioning Parliament. He probably isn’t aware,
and we can only forgive him for this, that there are plenty of younger people who
shouldn’t be behind the wheel.
And we can only presume this rather pompous and self-righteous view of older
motorists comes from a Peter Pan character with perfect driving skills.
The petition also suggests ‘Reactions also worsen with age’. Well, it depends on
what you mean by reaction - I can assure you mine was instantaneous.
Admittedly, some older people should reassess their suitability for modern roads and
the sheer volume of traffic and idiots that use them. Some older drivers have indeed
become less able.
But, if my eyesight is too poor for driving, the optician will tell me and we already
have to declare medical changes when we renew licenses at 70 - and that should be
enough as it arises every three years.
But retest everyone? What a waste of time and money.
As things stand now, the driving test system can’t cope with the number of younger
people who want to drive, with six month waiting lists. And it’s expensive. If young
salary earners and kids with access to their parents’ bank account say it’s expensive,
what chance the pensioners who need a few lessons to have any chance of passing
a test that’s completely changed from when we took it 50 years ago?
Add to this the fact older people aren’t the worst offenders for road accidents (25 to
39 years, I believe) and contribute a huge chunk of excise duties and tax to the
government’s coffers, and the argument becomes barmier.
People over 65 now make up nearly 20% of the population. It’s possible many of us
will just sell the car and spend the money on trivial things. (I must talk to Mrs B
because the idea has an appeal.)
I also wonder when this ageist approach will ever end. Are there other people out
there who want to control the movement and activities of anyone over 65?
Perhaps, soon, I’ll have to complete and submit a risk assessment before I start any
small task around the home or outside. Mrs B and I will have to declare visits to the
supermarket and undertake pre-assessment checks to see if we can walk up and
down aisles, making simple choices like Weetabix or Porridge? It’s bad enough that I
sometimes get age checked for alcohol in shops by someone who’s too young to
drink and has to call over an older colleague!
I wonder if I’ll have to wear a hi-vis vest for a romantic evening in and an early night?
Perhaps a few pre-bed questions: Is the bed securely bolted to the wall? Have you
put mattresses all around the bed in case one of you, or even both, falls out? Finally,
given your failing eyesight and occasional lapses in memory, have you checked
you’re in bed with the correct person/people?
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