Transport Tips for Retirees
If you’re approaching retirement or already there, you may be considering how you get around these days. The morning commute is no longer necessary – which gives rise to many other possibilities. Is the big 4WD or sedan “overkill” for light grocery shopping and occasional trips out? Perhaps the little hatchback that served you well as your work car will struggle to tow around a caravan for your budding grey nomad lifestyle. Perhaps you aren’t fussed about having a car at all, and are looking for alternatives such as e-Bikes or ridesharing which may be good when you decide to “retire from driving” once and for all.
No matter your needs, here are some tips about transport for retirees that you may want to consider now and into the future.
Buying a new vehicle (or new to you)
As a senior, you may be looking at buying a new car or vehicle to downsize, upgrade a clunker, or get something more suitable for off-roading or towing recreational vehicles such as caravans. If you are considering something new, you should look at comparing car loans to preserve your cash reserves and superannuation. You might need finance if you are looking at second hand options, considering there are months-long waits for new car orders as of 2023.
If you don’t plan to use your new or old car as often as you used to, you can hire out your idle vehicle to car sharing services such as Uber CarShare. Other people pay you to use your car for set periods when you aren’t driving it. This can help offset some of the cost of the loan, petrol, registration, and maintenance.
Community busses and public transport
Maybe bad driver behaviour has turned you off cars for good and something else is in order. For seniors in retirement villages or assisted living, you may be able to catch community busses that ferry you to and from major metropolitan areas, day trip destinations, or nearby towns. With your seniors’ card, you can also take advantage of cheaper fares on public transport. However, you need to plan your schedule around their timetables and not the other way around – which can limit your independence somewhat.
Ridesharing and eBikes
Ridesharing services such as Uber, which offers a service targeted at seniors and those living with a disability called UberASSIST, may also be an alternative to car ownership. Uber and e-Bikes are like having a chauffeured “car on demand” which also caters to any handicaps or special needs we may have, such as walkers, wheelchairs, and so on. Uber also offers discounts and incentives for seniors to get around. Other car-sharing services like the ones we mentioned earlier allow you to rent a car for a set period per day.
For more active seniors, renting eBikes or eScooters around urban areas can be an alternative to public transport which makes getting around easier. With new bike and scooter paths coming online, young and old are embracing hopping on scooters while navigating city or suburban areas.
No matter how you choose to get around, there are many different transport options available for seniors – it’s all a matter of personal preference!
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