Giving up the car.

I gave up driving many years ago, because my high blood pressure always got worse when I drove. I never liked driving enough to risk a stroke. We live near the suburban rail so i take the train everywhere I need to go. My husband still drives, so shopping is easy, but he has mild agoraphobia, so he goes out as rarely as possible, and only when I'm with him.

I love travelling by train - it is so relaxing and quick in these days of congested roads. As a pensioner I travel at half fare. A trip to our nearest city, 8 miles away costs me A$1.33 which is about 80p. We have gocards, a little plastic card that we swipe at each end of the journey. Simple.

What an emotive subject. It is such a hard decision to give ones car up, but I really admire people who make the right decision when they are no longer safe to drive. I fear that some people carry on driving far too long as it is their only means of transport, due to disability etc. I think many people do not realise it is often cheaper to give up a car and take a taxi, but obviously not as convenient. It often falls to relatives to point out that we are no longer safe, and we MUST pay attention to this and not be in denial, as hard as it may be. What a hard decision it is, but our grand children are crossing the roads out there and we must consider their little lives......

"hubby" lol

Hmm can see your point..but no I couldnt and wouldnt want to give up our car one reason is ubby is disabled and cannot walk very far, also i wouldnt be able to take grandson out to seaside as trian/bus too expensive..but if I was of an age where I thought I was past driving etc then yes (by that time grandson should be old enough and have his own car lol so HE can take ME shopping) as he is always telling me lol he is going to take me asda when he is big and gets a light blue car ....he is 4 lol..