Three Tips For Your Easy Pre-Retirement Transportation Plan

LOCATION: Your retirement chateau.

That’s what my mom called our family home, her retirement chateau. As a Gerontologist, I began to understand what she meant. A place that is more than a home and place that you can live, enjoy, and thrive. Easily accessible to shopping, entertainment, and business services. If you are considering retiring to a rural location. STOP.

My advice: Identify your ideal retirement location and then begin making a list with four columns. On the list include the names of the closest shopping area, business services, and medical care. In the second column calculate the distance from your home to these locations. In the third column make a checkmark if these are accessible within a short walk less than 1/2 a mile. In the fourth column identify an alternative form for transportation without you having to drive.

COMMUNITY: The connected community.

Whether you stay in your community or plan to relocate identify what senior transportation services are available. Contact your local senior center and ask about their transportation program. If one doesn’t exist ask them about alternative resources for residents.

My advice: Many communities provide volunteer drivers for adults who know longer drive. Their services are limited and operate Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM (no holidays), some may charge an application fee. These services provide residents transportation on a donation basis. If your community does not currently have a transportation program in place that’s a red flag. These services often are grant funded and can take a couple of years to run at capacity. With Lyft and Uber reaching more communities, this might be an option. However, these are for-profit operations and while cheaper than a taxi their use may become cost prohibitive.

ANALYZE: Compare transportation value.

Researchers say many of us will live our ability to drive by about a decade. That means 10 years when we are no longer behind the wheel. How will your community support you as you age? In the recent LongRoad Study conducted by the AAA and Columbia University older adults who stopped driving were twice as likely to suffer from depression. In addition, they were five times morel likely to be admitted to a long-term care facility.

My advice: We all age differently. You may live to over age 100 and continue to drive safely. However, if you don’t you want to be secure in the fact your community will support your desire to age in your community. Before you decide to get away from it all remember the healthiest older adults are those who remain connected.

For more tips on senior transportation and creating a transportation plan contact me during office hours, Friday 10 – 11 AM on Facebook: Judi Bonilla.

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