social inclusion

According to recent research, a lack of mobility and the resultant social isolation have important repercussions for the elderly, such as depression, loneliness, and low morale.¹ Many seniors—in particular those who no longer drive because they do not wish to or because they have health reasons that prevent driving—feel isolated and cut off from social functions and medical and other services.² Inadequate public transportation is one of the major reasons for this isolation.  Dangerous flights of stairs in subway stations, uneven or poorly maintained sidewalks, and dangers crossing the street are just a few challenges that must be addressed so that seniors can get around their communities safely and easily.¹

Unfortunately, in a national online poll of 378 U.S. metropolitan planning agencies, the New England University Transportation Center and the MIT AgeLab found that more than 50% felt the current transportation systems in their communities were inadequate; only 11% had an infrastructure in place to ensure that the growing elderly population has the transportation services it needs.² the problem is especially acute in rural areas, small towns, and suburbs that do not have reliable public transportation. In fact, fewer than 50% of American adults live near such transportation.²—and certainly many seniors believe that public transportation is an important issue for them. In a recent survey of seniors by the Foundation on Aging for Larimer County, the top two transportation concerns were public transportation (37% of respondents) and cost of transportation services (37%).

Regardless of the approach adopted, involving the elderly in policy-making and the planning process is vital to the growth of barrier-free transportation systems.¹

Participate in the discussion about Transportation in Larimer County.

References

1.  Meyer PE. Transport policy options for an aging population. IEEE-USA Today’s Engineer Online; 2008 May [cited 2009 Jul 27]. Available from: http://www.todaysengineer.org/2008/May/transport.asp

2.  Palmquist M. Old without wheels. Miller-McCune: Turning Research Into Solutions; 2008 Jul 14 [cited 2009 Jul 27]. Available from: http://www.miller-mccune.com/culture_society/old-without-wheels-484

3.  Tetsuo A, Daisuke S, Naoto F, Mayumi T. Transportation policy and planning for elderly & disabled. Comprehensive Urban Studies 2005;85:5-16.