Transportation among seniors is potentially the biggest issue out there. At some point most give up on driving...and lets face it, out of the ones who keep driving, 90% of them have probably bribed the DMV to renew their licenses.
So what is a senior to do without a car? Some brave souls take the bus - and I love those souls. I know people who haul their walkers on and off public transit, and I tip my nonexistant hat to them. Seriously, that takes energy and guts to not only board the buses with younger people, but to make transfers and map out your routes all over town.
However most seniors do not take the bus. Some take community buses that do door-to-door services for a bit of a fee (I highly recommend looking into city or nonprofit programs to see if "dial-a-ride" type services exist in your area), and others with a bit more money take cabs when they absolutely must. But today's rant is pretty much about people who do none of the above.
The majority of seniors ask people for rides - especially if they live in communal situations. The incessant "would you take me..." question drives people (yes me included) insane, and with current gas prices no one can actually afford to pitch in for gas (let alone liability insurance). Or I should say that people can offer gas money but when they offer a dollar or two the first thing that comes to mind is, "what, do you want a ride down the block, be dropped off and walk home?" Additionally, many seniors do not move at the speed of light, so taking someone on a "quick errand" can take an afternoon.
So, what should you do about a parent, friend, or neighbor that feels stranded without a car? Tell them you are legally blind and shouldn't drive anyone until you sort that out. Haha, no I suppose that would be unethical. The best thing to do, if you are actually willing to drive, is to make up a general schedule of when you will be going places and offer to take people with you at those times. That way no gas wasted, they don't feel like they are begging, and the senior is still able to be mobile about town. And if you just get asked too much, learn how to say no. A simple "Lately I am feeling maxed out and am going to lay low for a while" is effective. Or just say "no" and do not offer an explanation. You should not need to explain yourself, but we usually feel like we have to.
And to the senior: if you ride with your peers you may be taking your life into your own hands. A word to the wise: DMV = driving (ability) may vary.
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