What are the risks associated with senior driving in Gainesville?
The aging process affects seniors slowly, and many don’t notice that their reactions are slower until several years have passed. Ironically, this means that younger seniors are more likely to be involved in a fatal automobile accident in Florida than older seniors because they aren’t yet compensating for their new normal. The following statistics provide more insight:
It’s important to remember that older seniors aren’t better drivers than younger ones, they’re just less likely to be on the road at all. If your older adult is no longer the driver they once were, senior transportation in Gainesville is a great way for them to enjoy unrestricted mobility without operating a motor vehicle themselves.
How many seniors in Gainesville have poor access to transit?
Many people assume that the alternative to seniors driving is public transportation such as buses and trains, but many seniors aren’t close enough to access points to take full advantage of them. T4America has compiled the following statistics on how many seniors lack easy public transit access based on metropolitan size:
Metropolitan size | Number of seniors 65 + with poor transit access in 2000 | Number of seniors 65-79 with poor transit access in 2015 | Percent increase from 2000 to 2015 |
Less than 250,000 | 1,017,080 | 1,343,056 | 32.1% |
250k to 1 million | 3,076,054 | 3,907,936 | 27% |
1 to 3 million | 4,536,571 | 6,041,513 | 33.2% |
3 million or more | 2,450,143 | 3,685,341 | 50.4% |
Public transportation may not be a great fit for your elderly loved one even if they can access it. Seniors may struggle to stand for an entire trip if they cannot find a seat on a bus, and there is rarely room for large mobility aids such as walkers and canes on a public train. Your loved one may also struggle to fit fares into their monthly budget, especially if they want to travel a lot.
Gainesville senior transportation for aging in place
Senior transportation serves a practical purpose by helping older adults get to essential meetings like doctor’s appointments and take pleasure trips, but it also provides peace of mind. Older adults may feel isolated and alone if they’re trapped at home or guilty if they need to contact a loved one every time they wish to go to the grocery store. Gainesville elderly transportation gives older adults their freedom back, allowing them to choose when and where they go without relying on other people.
Furthermore, dedicated elderly transportation frequently includes specialized vehicles to help older adults. If your senior struggles with mobility, they might be picked up by a vehicle with lots of space to make it easier to get in and out. Our comprehensive guide to choosing senior transportation includes great tips, and we encourage you to bookmark it for easy reference.
Senior rides in Gainesville
Asking your elder loved one to give up driving is challenging, emotional, and likely to leave hard feelings on all sides. Still, you have to do it if your senior is a threat to themselves and others in their car. Pointing your older adult toward reliable alternatives can ease the sting, and Seasons provides the resources you need to find them a few fantastic choices. We hope you’ll use them well.