Giving Up Driving!

[UKSWF]

I have sold my car and am not considering replacing it, I had some issues with my eyesight but was cleared to continue driving! I'm a 60 year old, but have chronic pain issues so even if I drive I can't walk afterwards and am unable to lift my mobility scooter from the car! It's a life changing decision but I'm not needing to surrender my driving licence! Does anyone one have any comments! 

[UKSWF]

I live in a small village but it has a bus service to the local city and villages ! Only 1 bus an hour but I guess that's sufficient! 

[UKSWF]

I don't know what the question is really! I guess I could buy another car if it's a hindrance but it seems less of a burden than it being an expensive garden ornament that wasn't being used! 

[bednobs]

step away from the exclamation marks

[UKSWF]

Thank you for your helpful input, I will try and find something positive or helpful in your response ( if in the meantime you would like some Capitalisation, commas or full stops in your posts- feel free) 

[seekeerz]

A sensible solution in a well thought out situation. Too many people refuse to admit they're a liability to themselves and others by failing to take the same actions.

[Buenchico]

My (74yo) friend sold his car (with no intention of replacing it) earlier this year.  He'd realised that he was largely only using it to do a big weekly shop and that he'd save money by using buses or taxis for those journeys instead.  I saw him just a few days ago and he made it clear that he's happy with what he's done.

So, if your decision seems right to you, then it is right for you.

[Buenchico]

>>> "Too many people refuse to admit they're a liability to themselves and others . . . "

Yup!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czrv1g2yl0xo

[UKSWF]

Thank you that was a kind and compassionate response and in line with my beliefs! 

[seekeerz]

Thanks, Chris, you put it far more succinctly than I did.

[UKSWF]

Both great answers thank you! Very much

[jno]

if you're getting on okay with constant pain and an hourly bus service, good luck to you. I'm in no rush to give up my car and my ability to do my shopping when I want to rather than when a bus company wants me to. (I'm in London so I take frequent free transport for granted, though.)

[UKSWF]

Yes I have to admit that is my concern, There is perfectly good home shopping delivery services but if I'm not careful it would be easy to become immobile. A wander around B&Q is good physical and mental exercise! Even with Chronic Back Pain.

 

[calmck]

I gave up driving on reaching 80. Groceries are delivered. I use Ubers for appointments. Cheaper than running a car and paying the insurance

 

[jno]

that reminds me - people using exclamation marks a lot used to have to pay more for their car insurance, so you're doing the right thing!

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/nov/02/admiral-to-price-car-insurance-based-on-facebook-posts

[UKSWF]

Ha ha that's funny! I never heard that before.

[UKSWF]

It seems I owe an apology to Bedknobs for being snarky ( I will stand corrected and lay off the exclamation marks).

[Canary42]

I have reported this before on Ab, but in view of your question I will reiterate.

I had always promised myself I would give up driving when I turned 80, but obviously had misgivings as to whether when the time came i would have the willpower.

Fate took a hand and a month before I turned 80 I suffered a TIA (mini--stroke caused by blod clot in brain) which affected my peripheral vision on the left. The Opthalmic Consultant said I could never drive again. I duly advised the DVLA. 

I find the public transport woefully inadequate, and of course heavy shopping impossible, but otherwise I cope (I had discovered several food delivery options during lockdown).

Ironically I can still pass the roadside eyesight test.

Your case is of course different, mobility scooters can be handled by rail, but not so easy on buses (depending on the size of the scooter).  But if you are happy with your decision to sell the car, then go ahead, although I have lots of sympathy with you facing this at a much younger age than I had to. Good luck with whatever action you take. Is there anything the doctor can do to relieve your pain troubles.

[Buenchico]

>>> I find the public transport woefully inadequate

At least your service 30 and 31 buses run in the evenings and on Sundays, Canary42.  We don't have such luxuries around here.

The last bus today, Saturday, will be around 6pm, as it always is.  Then we'll have no buses tomorrow because it's Sunday and no buses on Monday because we get a Sunday service, or the lack of it, on Bank Holidays.  (We had that so-called 'Sunday service' on Good Friday too!)

[Maydup]

It's a tough but sensible decision. Enjoy you bus rides but where you can, use them for pleasure rather than necessity. Remember the money you will be saving on petrol and insurance and use it to have a taxi when you have an appointment or are in pain. And have the heavy shopping delivered. 

[barry1010]

Keep a log of how much you are spending in one column

In the other right down all the times you would have gone out if you had a car, but stayed home instead. This may help you decide whether to buy a car or not.

It's important to keep as mobile as you can and to socialise. Make the most of your mobility scooter. If you can get to your local park on it, do so. 

If there are any local clubs or groups you can go to, join. My local library has very informal drop in coffee and chat sessions; it also has board game sessions and book clubs. All free.  Guest speakers on all sorts of subjects such as local history, coffee and biscuits for £3. 

A church does an over 50s lunch for a couple of quid. No religion involved. 

As for exercise, can you get to a swimming pool? Probably the best exercise for someone living with chronic pain