CanAge seeking public engagement for seniors’ transportation

A national seniors’ advocacy group is calling on community organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador to share information about seniors’ transportation in the province.

In a recent news release, CanAge said it’s gathering data that will be used to make critical improvements to seniors’ transportation in the province.

“Seniors living with disabilities have been overwhelmingly impacted by the pandemic and they’re also the ones who struggle the most to access the transportation they need to stay connected and healthy,” said CanAge CEO Laura Tamblyn Watts. “Before we can find a solution, we need to better understand the problem.”

The seniors’ organization is calling on community groups to submit what it called a “community profile” online, which will be used to gather information about what seniors’ transportation services are in place in local areas and the challenges faced in seniors’ transportation.

CanAge said seniors, especially those living with disabilities, rely on transportation services for daily necessities like groceries, filling prescriptions and visiting their doctor.

However, the group said nearly half of Canadian seniors report not having transportation that meets their needs.

Older adults who lack access to reliable transportation services suffer from worse mental health, lower quality of life and are less likely to receive health care, including vaccinations.

The risks are aggravated for those living with disabilities and those on lower incomes, especially during the pandemic, CanAge noted.

The data collection is being completed through F.A.S.T. Track, a national program to help restructure public transportation.

There are an estimated 120,186 people over the age of 65 living in Newfoundland and Labrador, making up 23 per cent of the total population.

The deadline to submit information to the F.A.S.T. Track initiative is March 31. To submit information to the community profile, visit fasttrackcanada.org/en/community-profile.