Avoid stereotypes on driver’s tests

Senior citizens often get a bad rap. Here in Illinois, we have to take a driver’s road test every year or two depending on our age. It doesn’t matter that statistically, we have fewer accidents than younger drivers. Most of us are smart enough to stop driving when we know it’s not safe.

Younger people might think that all seniors sit around in a rocking chair, watching TV All day. Some might, but at Encore Village (formally Friendship Village), that’s not the norm. Seniors are involved in book clubs, bridge, poker, rummy, hand and foot, pinochle, bunco and mah jongg, just to name a few activities.

Seniors realize that keeping physically fit is important. Our motto is, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” Some residents do pickle ball, water volleyball, chair tai chi, line dancing and core-building activities. Our fitness center is available to all with their doctor’s permission. Gentle seated exercise classes are also available.

Seniors also realize that keeping mentally sharp and engaged is a priority. Our lifelong learning classes have a large following. Current events, creative writing, meditation, Bible studies and Plato’s Place keep the brain cells active.

Perhaps Illinois legislators who read this letter might realize that most seniors are active mentally and physically, are careful drivers who have fewer accidents than younger drivers and can be trusted so they don’t need to take yearly driving tests. Are drivers of other ages who have frequent accidents or tickets required to take frequent drivers tests? Why are they just targeting seniors?

Judith Miller

Schaumburg