Inability to Drive, Lack of Transportation Options Are Major Concerns for Older Adults, People With Disabilities, and Caregivers

A national survey from KRC Research found that older adults and persons with disabilities face significant transportation-related difficulties once they no longer drive, reports PRNewswire . Respondents perceive a lack of accessible and reliable transportation alternatives, preventing them from doing the things they need and want to do and causing feelings of frustration and isolation. Other poll findings include the pivotal role that caregivers play in helping older adults and those with disabilities meet transportation needs, and that providing or arranging rides can be very time consuming. The lack of a single "go-to" resource for alternative transit options also was cited as a barrier by many respondents. To help remedy this situation, the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) has started a campaign to boost awareness of local transportation options for older adults and the disabled in communities nationwide. "There are excellent transportation programs available and the Aging Network is aggressively advocating for more resources to ensure all communities, including rural areas, are prioritizing transportation services for older adults and people with disabilities," said NADTC Chief Executive Sandy Markwood. NADTC Assistant Vice President Carol Wright Kenderdine added that the organization "recently funded 10 community grants to support planning for alternatives, such as volunteer transportation, rideshare options, and expanding transit."