Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library

And Thou Shalt Honor: Getting Around - Alternatives for Seniors Who No Longer Drive

videorecording

And Thou Shalt Honor: Getting Around - Alternatives for Seniors Who No Longer Drive

921961078

Originally produced by Media Policy Center in 2011

26

With host Jerry Mathers, the star of the original Leave It to Beaver TV series, Getting Around - Alternatives for Seniors Who No Longer Drive tackles the challenge of developing mobility options and helping older, at-risk drivers plan for and transition to life-after-driving. Santa Monica, California, was the site of the 2003 Farmer's Market tragedy, in which a confused 82-year old driver slammed on the gas pedal instead of the brake as he careened through a crowded open-air produce market, killing ten and injuring scores more. In response to this tragedy, Monika White, CEO of the Santa Monica-based, non-profit Center for Healthy Aging enlisted us in a national effort to educate Americans about planning for the day when driving is no longer feasible. This documentary is one outgrowth of that effort. Focusing on the mobility needs of our nation's elders, this 30-minute program chronicles the challenges that older drivers and their families face in a society so wedded to the car. As the baby boom generation nears retirement age, the number of older drivers on our roads will more than double, increasing the urgency for action on this issue. Despite the formidable length of time required to create major transportation system improvements, society is just beginning to recognize the pressing need to create alternatives to the car for those who can no longer drive. The groundbreaking PBS special And Thou Shalt Honor series brings to light the challenges facing today's caregivers. The struggles and rewards of caregiving are given equal treatment in this incisive and thoughtful series. Sensitively hosted by Joe Mantegna, the purpose of the program is to promote awareness of the issue, promote awareness of the needs of caregivers and promote discussion of the importance of the issue before it becomes a national crisis. The pro{u00AD}gram is meant to be a lightening rod to rally support, raise awareness, and energise a movement to change the fate of caregivers in this country

live action