Transportation is one of the most important aspects of our lives, enabling us to connect with family and friends, attend medical appointments, pick up food and household items, and more. As we age, the ability to get around easily can get much more difficult. That’s why it’s important to know what options are available, enabling you or a loved to maintain as much independence and freedom as possible.
Throughout the US, driving a personal vehicle is both the most common and (in most cases) most convenient option for getting around. And while data shows that most seniors are actually the safest drivers compared to other age groups, according to AAA, they tend to outlive their ability to drive by about seven to ten years. This means that most older adults will, at some point, need to give up their personal vehicles and take advantage of other available transportation opportunities.
Below is a list of common alternative transportation options for older adults, with a description of some of their benefits and drawbacks.
Delivery services
Delivery services can eliminate the need for transportation. Presently, in many areas, groceries and household items can be delivered through apps such as Instacart, Amazon Fresh, and Walmart+. Other organizations and senior centers may also offer their own delivery services for older adults, so it may be worth looking into.
Hopefully this list was helpful to you. There are many opportunities out there, and it can be great to try out different methods until you find those that work well for you. If you or your loved one needs more location-specific assistance, you can always dial 211. This will connect you with an operator who can provide information on essential community services, including transportation.
