Norma Frias, coordinator, MemorialCare Senior Plus Program, Long Beach Memorial and Community Hospital Long Beach | According to the Surface Transportation Policy Project, 20 percent of adults age 65 and older do not drive. Within that age group, on any given day, 54 percent stay home. Access to reliable transportation is important to maintain a better quality of life for older adults.
A lack of transportation can mean fewer visits to necessary destinations for seniors, such as the doctor’s office, fitness classes, pharmacies, grocery stores and areas for social engagements, all of which add to the overall physical, mental and emotional well-being of an individual.
In populous areas like Long Beach, transportation services have increased to meet this growing population of adults ages 65 and older.
One may wonder why older adults are not getting to the places they need to be when there are a variety of options for travel available to them. Comfort and convenience are all factors as to why older adults may not be getting out of their homes to travel when necessary. Other reasons may include:
- Misunderstanding of how to use public transportation effectively. For example, travel routes may only be available online, impromptu changes in transportation scheduling, a fear of getting lost or limited travel accommodations for the disabled
- High cost of daily travel using public transportation services
- Relatives or friends unable to provide rides to their loved ones when needed
If older adults are not given the resources or information needed to feel comfortable securing a ride this directly impacts their health. For example, a missed appointment can mean not filing a prescription. It may mean that a small cold or infection could lead to hospitalization if they can’t get to a doctor’s appointment. Poor health can lead to other complications like poor nutrition, lack of socialization and depression.
To prevent a decline in health, older adults and their caretakers should be proactive about seeking transportation that works for them. The MemorialCare Senior Plus Program at Long Beach Memorial and Community Hospital Long Beach offers its members taxi-vouchers and pairs its members with occupational and physical therapists that will schedule rides for them to their doctor’s appointments at the hospitals.
Try these additional options, many of which are low cost:
- Inquire about public transportation services for older adults that offer traveling tours around their city, so they remain knowledgeable of travel routes
- Ask your health care providers about the transportation resources they have
- Look into community ridesharing programs or transportation service agencies, such as ACCESS Services
- Utilize Medicaid-related transportation alternatives
- Seek transportation options from nonprofit organizations or your local church
Traveling options for older adults can at times seem daunting, but with the right resources transportation can be affordable, easy and safe. With a little planning, older adults can access dependable transportation that ensures they thrive and lead productive lives beyond their doorstep.