{"id":2111,"date":"2023-03-10T18:35:56","date_gmt":"2023-03-10T18:35:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/98\/?p=2111"},"modified":"2023-11-13T22:22:56","modified_gmt":"2023-11-13T22:22:56","slug":"seniors-commute-without-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/98\/ohio\/westlake\/blog\/seniors-commute-without-car\/","title":{"rendered":"How Can Seniors Get Around without a Car?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Getting behind the wheel is a privilege, one that can be taken away when older people are no longer able to drive safely. When seniors give up their keys, getting around may seem like a challenge. However, aging adults are presented with numerous reliable transportation options.<\/p>\n

Driving ability differs from senior to senior. Some physically and cognitively healthy individuals are able to safely drive even into their 80s, while others develop cognitive decline early on and must relinquish their right to drive far sooner. Regardless, safety on the road is a priority for everyone.<\/p>\n

The best way for older adults to keep themselves and others safe on the road is to utilize alternative means of transportation. Local transportation options are available in the majority of communities, preventing seniors from becoming homebound and socially isolated.<\/p>\n

1. Take Public Transportation<\/h2>\n

\"Senior<\/p>\n

Public transportation is an obvious choice for healthy older adults who live in large cities, like Cincinnati, Cleveland, Chicago, or New York City. Urban seniors should be physically fit to climb the stairs up to the train station or onto the bus.<\/p>\n

Paying a small bus or train fare is affordable for seniors living on a fixed income. Using the bus or train is also quick and convenient, especially for older people who know their way around the city. The availability of various public transportation gives seniors a welcome sense of independence.<\/p>\n

Seniors with a disability and who use a wheelchair are supported since public buses feature wheelchair lifts and trains have wheelchair-accessible car. However, seniors must wait outside for the bus or train, which can be a hazardous drawback depending on weather conditions.<\/p>\n

2. Order Ride-Hailing Services<\/h2>\n

Uber and Lyft provide transportation to anyone who can order a ride with a smartphone. Tech-savvy seniors benefit most, since they can hire a driver at any time on the Uber or Lyft app. Older adults can alternatively ask a neighbor or family member to order the ride.<\/p>\n

Ride-hailing vehicles can be accessible to senior citizens, and services that cater to the older population are continually being added. While the app shows the driver\u2019s name and license plate, a different driver may arrive with each order\u2014which can impact the quality of service.<\/p>\n

\"Schedule<\/p>\n

3. Contact Volunteer Driver Programs<\/h2>\n

Lists of volunteer drivers may be available from local nonprofits. Volunteers provide door-to-door transportation, which is ideal for seniors who must complete errands or travel to appointments. Due to the small number of passengers, volunteers assist the elderly<\/a> from the door to the vehicle.<\/p>\n

Since volunteers provide the rides, these services are free to older adults. While providing necessary transportation, volunteer driver programs doubly serve as a social outlet. A possible drawback, however, could be the limited availability of volunteer drivers within a community.<\/p>\n

4. Schedule Senior Living Transportation<\/h2>\n