Can't get it through his stubborn brain that being out in such cold weather [wind chill is -1 degrees today] is dangerous for him.... not only because of the ice but because he has a heart condition and super cold air could cause him to have a heart episode. I've lost count how many times I told this to Dad.
And poor Mom having to watch from the window in case Dad falls and needs help. Mom can barely see due to macular degeneration so that is added stress for her. My parents are in their 90's. During the previous snow fall, the woman who lives next door to my parents came out and took the shovel from Dad's hands and she did the shoveling.
Dad's reason for shoveling is in case of an emergency he would need to get his car out of the garage. HELLO, if there was an emergency we would be calling 911 and let them do the driving.
Wish I could help Dad, but I have age related health issues myself, and I can't even shovel my own driveway.... if the snow gets too deep, my neighbor will do my driveway with his snow blower. Otherwise, I just leave the snow, my Jeep has no problem driving through it.
Besides taking away Dad's car keys, do I also need to take away Dad's shovels?
As for a teenager to shovel, I haven't had one come to my door in 15 years asking if I need my driveway shoveled.... I always had said yes, always paid well above the going rate, because I like seeing young people earn some spending or savings money. Guess today's teen rather work at the mall because it's more social ;)
As for my Dad, I will just let him continue to shovel.... could be he wants to feel useful and needs the fresh air [they keep their house at 78-80 degrees in winter]. And what happens, happens, it was his choice.
His traditional farewell saying, winter and summer, was "Watch the ice!" My SIL has adopted it, which I think is sweet.
How to get him to be sensible? I haven't got a clue. I like the cardiologist's idea. Good luck.
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Maybe you can agree with Dad and congratulate him on thinking ahead about emergencies. Then hire someone to clear emergency paths, because he is in well-deserved retirement.
Your other option is to hire someone to plow the driveway and then all he has to shovel is the walkway. The EMT's always need to get their truck in the driveway and don't have Jeeps.
old timers are living in the past. no 911, insufficient firefighting methods, 2 wheel drive cars, etc. take him for a 4 wd ride, show him its capabilities. ( wont change a thing tho )