Transport for Seniors – Challenges and Modern Solutions

It’s easy to take transport for granted. Many of us can simply hop in the car and get to where we need to go. There may be other options, like a bus system, an e-bike, and stores within walking distance.

Yet, not everyone has that luxury.

Transport is an extremely common challenge, especially for low-income people and those living in rural neighborhoods. It’s also difficult for those with physical limitations, which is why transport for seniors is such a pressing issue.

Today, we’re digging into the topic of transport for seniors. This includes looking at the specific challenges that seniors face and how these impact the best type of transport.

Challenges of Transport for Seniors

So, why is transport such a difficult area? 

Part of the problem is that society isn’t well set up for aging. Our cities generally assume that everyone is getting from A to B in cars.

There are plenty of other options, but most of these aren’t available to everyone. For example, taxis get expensive, walking or biking is tough with some health issues, and public transportation requires a decent transport network.

Some of the challenges of aging make transport much more difficult. For example, eyesight decline can make driving dangerous, while coordination issues can be problematic for driving and biking.

Things are even more complex for seniors with cognitive challenges. Some may need familiar types of transport, while others mightn’t be able to safely use transport on their own.

Why Transport Matters So Much

Independence

Transport isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s also about being independent.

There’s something liberating in being able to go to the places you want, when you want to, without needing to rely on someone else. This is why losing the ability to drive can be so devastating for many seniors. 

Options like public transport, taxis, and rideshare services (like Uber) are good alternatives here, as the senior may be able to use them without external assistance. This can feel much better than needing to rely on family members for rides.

Physical and Mental Health

Transport also impacts physical and mental health in a variety of ways.

The first aspect is practical – the senior needs transport to do the things that promote their health, like visiting the doctor and buying healthy food. Without transport, the senior could easily miss important appointments or rely too heavily on junk food.

There’s also a mental and emotional side to things.

When transport is difficult, seniors are likely to get out less often, contributing to inactivity and social isolation. Over time, such challenges can easily harm mental health, possibly contributing to depression or other issues.

Transport Options for Seniors

Driving

Driving is the most obvious form of transport for most adults. However, if you’re looking at transport for seniors, you’re probably doing so because the senior can no longer safely drive.

This is a crucial area to think about.

Driving safely requires a considerable amount of coordination and quick thinking, especially when the weather isn’t good. The senior’s physical abilities are relevant too, including their eyesight and grip.

Some seniors can safely drive for most of their lives. However, many cannot do so and need to find alternative options.

It’s best to start looking at these options early, so the senior has time to adjust. Plus, the hope is to transition the senior away from driving before there’s an accident – not afterward.

Walking, Biking, and Similar Options

If the senior can’t drive, they may still have other options, including walking and biking. Technology can also extend the senior’s range, such as using a mobility scooter or an e-bike.

You can even find three-wheeled e-bikes, which offer more stability and are safer than regular two-wheeled bikes.

The viability of these approaches will depend on the senior’s health, the neighborhood, and what they need to do.

Taxis

Taxis are one of the most convenient options, as they offer door-to-door transportation and can be ordered using the phone (no app required).

However, taxis are also expensive. They might be completely unrealistic for low income seniors or those who need regular transport.

That said, there is some funding for transportation under Medicare and local programs. This is most relevant for emergency and nonemergency medical transportation, especially if using public transportation isn’t a viable option.

Uber, Lyft, and Similar Services

Services like Uber and Lyft have a lot in common with taxis. They’re also often less expensive and more personal than taxis, making them much more appealing.

They also offer specific programs that can make the experience easier for seniors. For example, Uber Assist is designed for riders who need extra support, including seniors, while UberACCESS offers wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

The biggest challenge is that Uber and Lyft are typically ordered through an app or the website. This can be confusing for seniors who aren’t good with technology.

Caregivers can get around this by teaching the senior to use the app or ordering rides for them. The process should get easier as time goes on.  

Local Services

You can also keep an eye out for local services. This might be as simple as a local person with a small business that offers rides to seniors in the neighborhood (which, could even be a side hustle for the right caregiver).

Some businesses may have services as well, such as a local senior center that allows you to order rides in the area.

Such services will often have a limited number of drivers, making it easier for the senior to form connections and feel comfortable. Plus, they’ll likely to be able to order services with a phone call, rather than learning to use an app.

If there isn’t a local service, you could advertise for someone willing to be paid to be your parent’s driver. This could be a win-win, as the driver earns extra money, while your aging parent gets a personalized service. They might even become friends with the driver over time.

Public Transport

Public transport is an option, as long as there is a suitable network in the neighborhood.

This is only viable if there is a suitable network in the neighborhood. The placement of the bus stops also matters. Some seniors may not be able to walk a significant distance, so there need to be bus stops near their house and near where they are trying to go.

Public transport can also be confusing. This can lead to disorientation or to seniors simply not knowing where to go or what to do. The issue is worse still for anyone whose first language isn’t English.

As such, public transport only works for some seniors. But, when it does work, it’s an easy and cheap service.

You could begin by using public transport with the senior. Then, if they’re confident enough, you could trial them using public transport on their own. Just make sure they have a way of contacting you if anything goes wrong.

Rides with Family Members

Finally, we have rides with friends and family members.

Many families take this approach, where an adult child takes the senior shopping or brings them to doctor’s appointments regularly.

Doing so is certainly cheaper than the other options. It can be easier as well, especially if the adult child lives with or near the senior.

However, there are two significant issues.

The first is the toll on the family members. Driving a loved one around takes time and energy, often time you want to be spending doing other things. This is even more frustrating if the senior frequently has appointments when you’re meant to be at work.

The approach isn’t great for seniors either – as they’re dependent on family members. It’s much better for them to be able to organize their own transport, even if that means relying on Uber or similar services.

Because of these challenges, rides with family members are best used as a last resort. You should have at least one other option to turn to.

Final Thoughts

There’s no denying it – transport for seniors is tricky. Every approach comes with notable challenges and often a learning curve, especially for seniors who once drove themselves everywhere.

That said, you don’t need to find a single perfect approach.

It’s often easier to have a collection of approaches you can pick and choose from.

So, perhaps the senior relies on family sometimes and uses an Uber on other occasions. Or, they might use a combination of free rides from family and paid rides from friends to give them more independence.

Another approach is for the senior to use an e-bike or a walker to get around the neighborhood, then rely on rides or a taxi when they need to grocery shop or visit the doctor.

Why not experiment? You could try different options and see which ones the senior gels with the most.