Retirement News : Seniors : Transportation the key to many seniors' quality of life

Transportation the key to many seniors' quality of life

Date Added: 30-06-2005

A trip to the grocery store or the beauty shop can make the difference between 73-year-old Marilyn Brandt staying in her home or opting for assisted living.

Brandt, who lives in Wisconsin Rapids, is one of many Wood County residents who uses the bus services through the Aging Resource Center of Wood County.
"They are the best. I would be so lost without them. God only knows what I would do," she said. "The drivers are pleasant. They can't do enough for you. They offer their hand as much as they offer their heart."
Gov. Jim Doyle, speaking Monday in Wisconsin Rapids during a summit on aging, says his proposed state budget would help more seniors like Brandt live independently. He proposed a $6 million increase in state transportation aid to get seniors to medical appointments, work and social events.

"Getting older and not being able to drive shouldn't mean giving up all the fun or fulfilling parts of life," Doyle said.

Transportation was one of the many topics addressed Monday at the Challenge of an Aging Society Summit.

Aside from helping seniors maintain independence, transportation services were credited with stimulating the economy by providing jobs and increasing shopping that wouldn't take place if residents were in a nursing home.

In 2004, Wood County seniors made 52,619 trips through transportation services offered by the Aging Resource Center, a 2.2 percent increase since the program started, said Rosemary Felice, the agency's director.

Chuck Kamp, general manager of Valley Transit in Appleton, who spoke Monday at a workshop on senior transportation, said every dollar that goes into public transportation in Wisconsin generates a $3 return to the economy.

"If you lose your drivers license, you've lost your ability to get along," Kamp said.
Judy Lindholm, director of the Iowa County Commission on Aging, said transportation for seniors reduces nursing home use.

"It keeps people in their homes much longer," she said.

Transportation equates to senior mobility - a key to quality living, said Gary LaVake, transportation coordinator for the Aging Resource Center of Wood County.

"It's a win-win situation. They are happier staying there anyway, so it actually saves everybody money," LaVake said. "They still need service to stay in the home, and we are going to see more of that through the increase of the aging group."
Doyle said he hopes to reduce nursing home populations by 25 percent over the next eight years through programs that support independent living.
"It's voluntary, but I think most people, if given the option, would rather be in their home or community as long as possible," the governor said.

For More Information:

http://www.wisinfo.com/newsherald/mnhlocal/306798606701686.shtml