What are the risks associated with senior driving in Springfield?
But is there really a strong chance that your senior will get involved in a fatal car accident if they continue to drive? While you might not want to think about this tragic possibility, it’s worth taking a look at the statistics. Almost one-third of all seniors involved in Massachusetts’ fatal accidents were between the ages of 65 to 69, while almost 20% were over the age of 85.
This shows you that whether your senior is approaching their 90s or they’ve only just retired, there’s still a very real risk of fatality if they continue to drive. This situation is often incredibly difficult to deal with if your senior stubbornly insists that they’re perfectly capable of operating their vehicle. They might even become offended at the mere suggestion that they give up their keys.
How many seniors in Springfield have transit options within walking distance?
Your senior’s reluctance to stop driving may become more understandable when you consider their lack of options once they stop driving their personal vehicle. Big cities like New York or Detroit might have plenty of subways and bus stations, but the same cannot be said for smaller municipal areas like Springfield. In fact, recent data shows that even in a city with 2 million people, seniors can expect to find as few as 5 public transportation options within walking distance.
The truth is that when seniors lose the ability to drive their own vehicles, they also lose their sense of independence and freedom. If public transit was more accessible in places like Springfield, this wouldn’t be an issue. But until this improves, seniors have no option but to rely on others to access the important services in their own community.
Springfield senior transportation for aging in place
The psychological impact of aging in place is a double-edged sword in many ways. On one hand, it provides seniors with a sense of almost unrivaled comfort and dignity as they approach their twilight years in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. On the other hand, aging in place presents the real possibility of loneliness and isolation — especially if your senior is living by themselves. When a senior can’t get much further than their front yard, it can result in boredom and even depression. Reliable transport helps address these mental health concerns while also giving your senior access to local medical treatment, grocery stores, and many other important ingredients for physical health. If you’d like to learn more about this topic, feel free to read our comprehensive guide to choosing senior transportation.
Senior rides in Springfield
Public transportation isn’t well-developed in places like Springfield. Allowing your senior to drive is too risky. Driving them yourself is too time-consuming. This leaves only one real option: Dedicated services that senior transportation in Springfield. You’ll find that this option checks all the right boxes while giving you total peace of mind. Check out Seasons today to find a local service provider that matches your senior’s unique needs.