In this day and age, the number of people 65 and older is growing faster than ever. This is particularly apparent when we consider the number of older drivers in the country — it’s estimated that one out of every 6 drivers is 65 or older. We mention driving in particular because driving is one of the freedoms that older people tend to find most difficult to give up.
That, in part, is why it is so important to communicate to senior citizens that giving up driving doesn’t mean giving up getting around. For this very reason, many assisted living facilities and retirement communities utilize buses and non-emergency shuttle vans to help senior citizens get to where they need to go. These charter vans, often with flexible schedules, provide senior citizens with a many of the freedoms they believe that they’re giving up. However, many are still understandably hesitant to get “on board: with the idea of utilizing non-emergency shuttle vans. With that in mind, we’re looking at some of the questions that people have in mind when considering transitioning to bus or shuttle travel; and hopefully, we’ll help ease some of your concerns.
Why Is Bus Or Shuttle Travel Important For Seniors?
Not all senior citizens are going to need to travel by bus or van. Some are able to drive independently for their entire lives. With that being said, lots of people do need to transition to using senior living vans, or non-emergency shuttle vans. In some cases, it’s a necessary part of transitioning to an assisted living community or facility. But some of the factors that lead to senior citizens moving to those communities or facilities also contribute to them giving up their driving privileges.
It’s estimated that 4 out of 5 seniors have one or more daily medications. Often, side effects of these medications include drowsiness; they can also affect depth perception, and vision in general. For that matter, the reasons why seniors take these medications are often linked to medical conditions — some of which are quite serious. If a driver is at risk for seizures or other medical events, they cannot drive safely. This is why drivers between the ages of 70 and 74 are often more likely to be involved in fatal car crashes. Unfortunately, drivers over 85 are even more likely to be involved in such crashes.
Is Bus Or Shuttle Travel Comfortable
Part of the reason why there is so much resistance to travel via buses or non-emergency shuttle vans is that there is a stigma regarding buses. Firstly, they are often associated with public transportation–when in reality, charted buses or non-emergency shuttle vans are private. In fact, the market for buses and shuttles today is quite wide, giving transportation providers a number of options to choose from. This is why it’s easier than ever for providers to find the right bus for their clients.
For example, it may be a good idea to use buses or shuttles with internet connectivity equipment — because just like everyone else, seniors are connecting to the web, and using it to stay in touch with their loved ones and stay entertained. Climate controlled buses and shuttles should also be considered, to keep more sensitive travelers as comfortable as possible. The most important takeaway, perhaps, is that these options are available to travelers and providers alike!
How Are Buses And Shuttles Sourced?
Just like many other products, buses and shuttles can be recycled! Many bus dealers offer used buses for sale, though they of course they are in great condition and often completely refurbished. It’s important to communicate to seniors that traveling in something other than a car doesn’t mean traveling without class or style!
When discussing traveling by bus or shuttle to seniors — whether you’re speaking to a loved one or a client–remember that empathy is key. This may not be an easy transition; but it doesn’t have to be a bad one, either!
