50+ Lifestyles

NEWS FOR YOU….from the Iowa Department of Transportation

By Debra Carney
Driver License Supervisor, Office of Driver Services
Davenport, Iowa

Driving Retirement

At some point in the future, you may decide to hang up your keys. How will you know? Is that one of those things you just decide it’s time? Or will a family member, health care professional or someone from your local driver’s license station let you know that you no longer have the vision, health or skills to continue?

Maybe you are already gradually cutting back or self restricting certain aspects of driving. You may no longer wish to take that long road trip, drive in large cities or during rush hour in your local community. Yet, you wish to maintain your independence and mobility.

Now may be the time to look at the transportation services available in your community. Contact your area agency on aging, or talk with a home care service provider for suggestions. Additional information regarding public transit in Iowa is available at: http://www.iowadot.gov/transit/index.aspx

Depending upon your locale, you may have the following options:
• Local bus service
• Local paratransit service
• Regional transit system (check your phone book yellow pages under – bus lines)
• Senior transportation (with or without added assistance)
• Taxi service
• Veteran’s shuttle
• Health clinic service

When shopping for transportation options, you will want to obtain the name of the company, the area or areas they may cover, days and hours, and cost.

In addition to community based transportation options, you may also have a personal network of family, friends, and acquaintances. They may be your number one mode of transportation and may be the most familiar and comfortable to you.

Now determine your transportation needs. Church, groceries, doctor appointments, out of town trips, etc. Make a transportation choice for each of your needs. Have a backup plan in place for each of your needs and for the unexpected.

Just as you would plan for financial security in retirement, planning for mobility during driving retirement should begin well in advance of hanging up those keys. No single method is likely to meet all of your needs and a little research prior may help you identify options in your area.