4 of 25

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

and sometimes he even takes public transit.

My experience in managing a transportation system exposed me to the plight of those who are transportation disadvantaged. Not being able to move about as they wish means that they must plan their trips in advance.

Hence, the importance of having access to other forms of transportation services such as mass transit, paratransit, municipal transportation service, community bus service, friends, neighbors, or family members. While mass transit and community bus service play a vital role in keeping people mobile, I find that older adults tend to prefer the smaller, seemingly less intimidating, and more personal services that are provided by some municipalities.

To access public transportation means walking to a bus stop, which, for some is a far distance. It may involve taking two or three buses just to get to their destination. Some trips turn into all day events and this sometimes become an exhausting experience for older adults. Nonetheless, it gets them where they want to go.

A wonderful alternative for persons with disabilities is paratransit service. While others rely on family members or neighbors to help them, they are not always comfortable with this arrangement. They feel at times that they are being a bother and that they are disrupting the lives of others. Some seniors have told me that they prefer to depend on public transportation service than to rely on anyone. As most of them have learned, it's all about taking advantage of multiple resources in their community and planning their trips - sometimes weeks in advance. If you have never missed an important medical appointment, a chance to buy groceries, a trip to the pharmacy for life-saving medications, or a trip to some place you have always wanted to visit, then you really do not know what some seniors experience.

So the next time you are traveling along the roadways and the car in front of you seems to be in your way, don't get impatient it could be an elderly person holding on to the steering wheel and their independence. Be courteous, be sensitive, you may one day be in their place!

Write your article here

Learn more about this author, Althia Ellis.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Elderly drivers: How old is too old to drive??
We want to hear your view. Write now!