Been sitting and thinking...

[goufgators]

Sometimes I sit and think. Other times, I just sit! Recently, while 'sitting and thinking', I was wondering how much longer I'll feel safe driving our MH. I'm now 74 and in reasonably good health but know that at some point I'll have to stop driving the MH not only for my safety but for the safety of others on the road. So, was wondering... at what point (age) you decided it was time to hang up the keys (if you've made that decision) or at what age you expect that to happen. I know that issue varies greatly with everyone because none of us know what health or physical condition we might be in either tomorrow or the future. My question might not be answerable except by those who have already 'hung up the keys' but would like to hear thoughts/opinions about this issue. Thanks!

[Gjac]

I am approaching 70 and think about this also. I think when the time comes my wife will tel me. She tells me how to drive now I just get to steer and use the brake pedal.

[cochise49]

One of the hardest things I ever did was to ask my 88 yr old dad for his keys. He was a gear head his entire life. He actually said he was glad I brought it up. Wouldn't have done it on his own even after losing his car twice and passing out behind the wheel once in a parking lot. He gave up RVs at age 80 when mom was around to badger him. I only hope that one of my sons will do the same for me. I like to think I would know when to hang 'em up. Maybe not....

[brandyspaw]

I think it depends on each individual. Heck, Don Garlits is 82 and he's trying to set a 200mph record in an electric dragster. Its all about each particular person's abilities.

[Hudsoner]

I am 71 heading heavily towards 72, and I drive a school bus every day. as long as they and the DMV trust me to drive their kids around, i will drive my dogs and my wife around, too. I might reduce my driving times a little over the next years, because last winter it started to get challenging to be behind the wheel for 12 or so hours a day. Currently I don't see any reason to drive less than 600 miles a day.
But everybody is different, and nobody should take a chance!

[subtroll]

Something we all have to face up to at some point.

Reminds me of a note in a long ago Christmas letter written by my father-in-law. "Evelyn thinks Euland should no longer drive and Euland thinks Evelyn should no longer drive, and our kids think we are both right"

[Turbo_Diesel_Du]

Coming up on 77. Reflexes are still good as is my eyesight. I have A-Fib so I limit myself to about 250 miles a day for two days and then an extra day in the "chocks" to recharge my battery. Try to walk around after a couple of hours to keep the old "juices" flowing.

[ncrowley]

Someday we will all need to hang up the keys and I think about that. That is why I do not become complacent. I plan and do the things I want to do before I get where I cannot do them. None of knows when that will be so do not put things off.

[2gypsies1]

There's no absolute age to stop. It depends on you.

Warning Signs:

- can't react fast
- gets sleepy
- can't see as well

Also, both of us drive the RV and both are able to do the hookups so if one gets tired, the other takes over. We don't drive long days. 200 miles is a good stopping point.

[travelzoo]

Just a week ago a group of us were sitting around the campfire talking about this very subject. 2 of the couples have already given up the keys. One has heart problems the other cancer, both reached the point of being wore out after between 150 to 200 miles and then having to setup for the night. It just took the joy out of going so they hung up the keys and both have sold their rigs. They still stay in touch and sometimes meet some of the old gang camping. They stay at a motel and stop by the campgrounds. Some of the rest of use have various health problems including myself at 71. I can no longer sit for much over an hour, then have to stop and move around. So I also am near that 200 miles a day is enough. Some of the maintenance which I have always enjoyed doing is getting to be a chore. The toad is getting to be harder to hook up and unhook (the legs just don't like the up and down). 7 years of off and on chemo hasn't helped, last winter was the first one we haven't gone south in years. I had a bad fall of chemo. So as of now I/we have slowed down but not hung up the keys. I drive a little slower, don't feel I'm a danger to other drivers. I don't need glasses. So we just play it day by day and hope I have the good sense to give it up before I hurt someone some day.

[bigdog2]

I turned 73 last month and renewed my DOT health card ( physical exam ) for two more years without any problems. I will continue to drive the class 8 trucks part time for a while longer. Also will continue going to Mexico for the winter. These are things I enjoy and I really think doing that will help me live longer than sitting on the porch.

[darsben]

I think you should have a family member check ride you every year and tell you whether yiu are still doing well driving

[down_home]

......

[Sully2]

Mr.Mark wrote:
Goufgators, personally, I don't think there is an 'age' that automatically is a cut-off point. It is definitey a person's physical ability.

As long as you can see well, have the strength to turn the steering wheel and apply the brakes, have pretty good neck movement and can walk with decent balance, I think those are the 'reasonable' requirements of ability to drive a large motorhome. And, your mental comfort level is also important.

I had a great aunt that I took care of that lived to be just shy of 101. Her physical ability to walk, think and manage her life were good to about 95. She never learned to drive but certainly had the ability I think up to 95.

It's all about the physical, not the number.

MM.

Add to the above the "reaction time" it takes you to "see" something and then get on the brakes. If its 3 or 4 seconds...hang up your coach keys now. If its a more normal time...happy motoring

[wa8yxm]

Well, it is good that you are asking that question... I sometimes wonder myself and I'm a decade younger than you (However just now,, well other issues)

I see far too many people who SHOULD ask that question.... and do not.

[Frosty_s_Mom]

i'm older and a little slower, but would have continued to ride my motorcycle if we hadn't needed the money for gas for our currently stalled trip to the east coast. loved that bike; miss it. love the RV, but haven't driven this one (class a); only the previous class c. i've been helping my d-i-l clear land here in indiana. physically, i feel i could drive it if i had to (at 71). i have no doubt DH (72) could continue to drive it for some time yet--thank heaven--he's in good physical shape. it's not the number, as my m/c buddy used to tell me when i wondered the same thing; it's the ability.