Text Increase
Transportation
 |
When physical or mental limitations make it difficult to drive safely, older adults gradually and responsibly withdraw from driving. At that point, many find themselves isolated from the activities that had filled their lives, especially if they live in suburban or rural areas where walking is difficult and non-driving transportation options scarce. Such isolation can seriously undermine the quality of life for older people and accelerate declines in health” . (Safe Mobility for a Maturing Society: Challenges and Opportunities. (2003). Washington DC: U.S., Department of Transportation, p. v) |
Organizations that may fit into this sector:
- Public transit (e.g. bus, subway, light rail, and train services)
- Community transportation programs and/or volunteer driving programs
- Private companies including taxis
- Municipal transportation departments
- Driver assessment and education centres
- Programs for older adults that require transportation (e.g. day centres or day hospitals)
How does transportation contribute to an age friendly community?
Reliable, safe, and easily accessible transportation options connect us to every aspect of community life and ensure that all members, including older adults living in the community, can continue to remain active, healthy, and independent. There are additional benefits for an age friendly community located on the introduction page of the website
How can policies, programs, and practices within the transportation sector reflect the principles of an age friendly community?
What can the transportation sector do to help create an age friendly community?
- Use the three building blocks to identify the strengths and gaps of your transportation services/programs:
- Learn about the transportation services and programs currently available in your community
- Use the available transportation resources below to get ideas on potential programs for your community
What are some additional resources?
Planning Tools Related to Transportation
- World Health Organization Transportation Checklist
- A 17 point checklist of transportation features for an age friendly community
- Remote and Rural Checklist
- A list of key features, barriers, and suggestions for improving transportation in age friendly communities
- National Blueprint for Injury Prevention in Older Drivers
- Outlines a vision and identified direction for action for promoting safe driving among older adults in Canada
- Community Transportation Association
- A variety of resources related to older adults and driving including a Seniors Transportation Toolkit and Best Practices
- Selected Readings/Tools/Resources
- Halton Region Quality of Life
- Outlines recommendations made by the Elder Service Advisory Committee (ESAC) regarding transportation needs for older adults living in Halton Region (starting on page 42)
- Seniors and Driving: Fast Facts
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities – Transportation Standards
- Current information about Ontario’s accessibility standards regarding transportation for persons with disabilities
Planning Tools Related to Transportation
- Canadian Safety Council
- Contains safety tips and information about the 55 Drive Alive Mature Drivers Refresher course
- AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety's Senior Drivers
- Information for drivers, service providers, and researchers on driving safety tips, options after you stop driving, and a safe driving quiz
- DriveABLE: Driver Risk Management Solutions
- Provides information about driving assessment and locations of Drive ABLE assessment centres
- Ontario Ministry of Transportation
- The Older and Wiser Driver
- A self rating form, information and options related to transportation http://www.gov.mb.ca/shas/driver/index.html
.gif){kind=small}
