Life expectancies in developing countries may continue to increase and so does retirement age but it is truly heartbreaking to hear senior citizens living alone, not being taken care by anyone or not being able to go to places as often as they want. America has a statistics that 20% of senior citizens cannot drive because of reasons including lack of access to a private auto mobile, poor eye sight and difficult access to public transport. Therefore, they become isolated, not being able to get to essential medical appointments, errands, family and friends.
Seven services (Freedom in Motion, Lyft and National Medtrans Network Partnership, Lift Hero, SilverRide, National Volunteer Transportation Center, Via & Uber and AARP “Life Reimagined” Partnership) for elderly citizens listed in Shared Use Mobility Center website are an excellent solution. Their greatest innovations include:
1. Charging according to the customers' income
2. Providing door-to-door assistance, such as carrying bags or assisting with equipments, going as far as using medical professionals
3. Providing different platforms (mobile app, online services, booking in person or phone call) to suit customers' wishes
4. Providing additional services, such as monthly outings to museums and concerts to help seniors go out, enjoy and meet other service users
5. Paying by credit card so there's no need to carry cash around
6. Sharing rides to reduce carbon footprint
7. Seeking volunteer from the community to serve as drivers, including elderly themselves if eligible
I think America has came far in terms of providing mobility for elderly including disabled and low income residents. There is room for improvement with more community involvement. I hope the rest of the world would try to do the same since for a healthy community in terms of social sustainability, no one gets left behind.
Resources:
http://sharedusemobilitycenter.org/news/7-new-services-expanding-mobility-for-aging-americans/
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