In Florida, Aging Population Struggles to Get Around

[marmar]

(Orlando, FL — WMFE) With more than three million residents over the age of 65, Florida’s population has the highest proportion of senior citizens of any state in the US. One challenge facing many of Florida’s seniors is how to get out and about once they can no longer drive.

In Orlando, some 300 seniors subscribe to the Independent Transportation Network private non-profit car service. Bea Chernok uses ITN a couple of times a week, for everything from doctors visits to social excursions.

“Last week, on a Sunday, they took me down to the Carr Auditorium, I saw an opera, they picked me up, and I wasn’t afraid,” she says.

Chernok says ordinarily she wouldn’t go out at night, but she feels safe with the ITN drivers, like John McCallister. .............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://transportationnation.org/2012/05/01/in-florida-aging-population-struggles-to-get-around/

[Baitball Blogger]

1. Public transportation is a problem in Florida.

You wouldn't believe the Republican uproar when they first came up with the idea of setting up public transportation in Orlando.

The soundbite, because there is always a soundbite, is that it was wonderful transportation for the three people who actually used it.

[RebelOne]

3. Well, I do know after living in Miami most of my life,

that city has an excellent public transportation system. I now live in North Georgia and unless you live in Atlanta, there is no public transportation. I live in Woodstock, GA, just northwest of Atlanta and there is no bus service in this area. The closest bus depot is about 5 miles from my house and that is in Kennesaw.

[Proud Public Servant]

2. And that everything is built like a suburb

Even the cities. Wheras real, walkable cities (which, yes, also have good public transit and abundant taxis) are some of the best places for the elderly to live fulfilling lives.

[dixiegrrrrl]

4. Problem with walking in Fla./the south...is the summer temps.

All sorts of problems with heat tolerance as we age.
Most seniors have mobility issues, then toss in the heat and humidity....yikes!