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Seniors behind the wheel

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Article: Seniors behind the wheel (PDF)

Objectives

To explore the importance of driving for seniors.
To consider Canadians' dependence on the car.

Method

Read the article, "Seniors behind the wheel", and list at least four transportation issues that differentiate the situation of rural or small town and urban seniors.
A neighbour is recently widowed. Since her husband used to do all the driving and she doesn't feel comfortable sitting behind the wheel, she has chosen to sell the family car. Can you suggest some transportation options for her? She will regularly need to go to the grocery store, seniors' club and doctor. She will also want to visit her grandchildren and friends.
Why do you think senior men are more likely than senior women to drive? Predict if this situation will continue in the future. Explain your answer.
Do you agree with mandatory medical examinations for senior drivers? What should they be tested for? The requirements for medical and other tests vary from province to province. Why is that so?
Do you think seniors are safer drivers than 16- to 24-year-olds? How would you measure "safe driving"? What are some of the differences and similarities between the driving habits of individuals in these age groups?
Take a quick poll of students in the class to find out how many have a car in their family. Some teenagers are allowed use of the family car. How should they share the responsibility of paying for insurance, gas and maintenance?

Using other resources

Canada's Changing Retirement Patterns: Findings from the General Social Survey. 1996. Statistics Canada, Catalogue no. 89-546-XPE.
A Portrait of Seniors in Canada. 1997. Statistics Canada, Catalogue no. 89-519-XPE.
"Seniors 75+: Living arrangements and lifestyle." Canadian social trends, Autumn 1993.
"Behind the wheel: Canadians and their cars." Canadian social trends, Autumn 1994.

Please e-mail comments or examples of how you used this exercise in your class.