Comments on: Aging in Place Boomers May Get Stuck in Suburbs, Limited Transportation Options

By: AMO

AMO — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:13:44 +0000

I definitely agree with "wattm2" and Pamela. I am currently a volunteer for a Council on Aging. They received a Freedom Grant last year to work on a mobility management plan and guide for seniors who need transportation in urban areas. The problem we face is no has the funding to just start providing that type of transportation. Federal, State and County budget cuts have severely cut into the local non-profits' ability to move forward. Right now our large transit systemdoesn't even have the capability to add more routes so that people can get where they need to efficiently. If someone in the southern part of county needs to get to the western part of the county (maybe 20 miles), they have to take a bus all the way to the downtown hub and then back out to their destination. This adds up to about a 2 hour bus ride for a senior trying to get to a medical appointment. It is definitely frustrating at a non-profit level when people call asking about transportation and there isn't anything affordable that can get out to them.

By: pamela

pamela — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 21:22:40 +0000

As a senior citizen, ( as i no longer can drive) I agree with you 100% and our local politicians ,as we are voter also should be trying very hard to solve this issue for us, even some urban seniors don't have enough convenient public transportation to accommodate them..

By: wattm2

wattm2 — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 17:22:56 +0000

I am sorry to read opinions like Aga Artka's. I understand the transporation problem in the suburbs-that is no reason to think "Aging in Place" is not a better option for seniors-I have found they prefer the quieter setting and remaining in their own home-which is a source of pride and joy they have usually worked their entire lives to obtain.
Also we must remember-what some may see as "total Isolation" -as maybe a little loneliness from lack of visitors but the individuals don't feel 'total isolation'-nothing a once week visit to a community center for cards or music.
I think the transportation problems will correct themselves with more non-profit transportion options or more addressing "sustainable sense of community" going back to knowing and looking out for your neighbors.
We simply must offer more services to our citizens who live in the suburbs and rural communities; I will always promote and find a way for folks to STAY where they WANT TO BE – that is MOST IMPORTANT.

By: Katherine Freund

Katherine Freund — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:14:46 +0000

There are options in many areas. The Independent Transportation Network provides a mobility alternative to those who feel "stuck".

By: Aga Artka

Aga Artka — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 21:21:29 +0000

I always try to make this point when discussing "aging in place". The term itself just doesn't add up when you consider total isolation of those who live in the suburbs, and lack of access to basic amenities….but who wants to give up their freedom (also an oxymoron).