When my mother was in her 70’s she was still driving against my wishes.
However, since she lived with my stepfather, he had complete control over her care and did not take my advice regarding her care. My mother was an alcoholic and I told my stepfather that under no circumstances should she be driving. But it was easier for him because he worked all the time. As long as she had a car, she could get around and not bother him. I told him there would be a tragic accident. It didn’t help that I lived in another country.
My mother continued to drive and one day I received a phone call from my stepfather. She had crashed into an office building. Thankfully no one was hurt. But after that, she never drove again.
According to Sally Rigler, M.D. (University of Kansas School of Medicine), Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are common but underrecognized problems among older adults. One-third of older alcoholic persons develop a problem with alcohol in later life, while the other two-thirds grow older with the medical and psychosocial sequelae of early-onset alcoholism
Even without alcoholism, it is dangerous to allow elderly people to drive if they are not able to drive competently. Also, in general watching and caring for our elderly is very important. Falls, dangerous objects and open pools are all hazardous.
According to Being Sober author Harry Haroutunian, 17 percent of Americans over 60 have alcohol or drug problems, compared with 10 percent of Americans overall. A recent study in JAMA Psychiatry found that high-risk drinking for those over 64 was at least double that of the general population, and the number is increasing. Between 2001 and 2013, there was a 107 percent increase in the number of adults 65 and over with alcohol use disorder.
She should never have been drinking and driving.