One of the most stressful moments in a senior’s life is that moment when they give up driving for good. Whether it’s by choice, when they realize that they feel safer and more comfortable when not behind the wheel, or because they have been convinced to give up driving by family or friends concerned with their safety, there is a feeling that they have lost an important part of their independence.

But seniors who can’t or don’t drive anymore can still remain independent. There are many ways for seniors to get around Airdrie even if they don’t have a car. Walking is the easiest and, aside from during the winter, probably the best option. Not only does walking allow a senior to decide when and where they start and end their trips, it’s excellent for their physical and emotional health.

Public transportation is another option. Airdrie has an amazing bus system that can get you anywhere you want to go, including Calgary. There is also ACCESS Airdrie, which is a shared curb-to-curb service for those people who can’t use the fixed route system.

Friends and family can also help seniors get where they want to go. This would be a great way for a senior to reconnect with their loved ones. Shared trips, even if it’s just to a haircut or a physiotherapy appointment, offer a chance for people to talk about what’s going on in their lives. You could also find a seniors transportation service, which is a company that will pick up and drop off seniors to any of their appointments.

All senior independent living facilities will offer transportation services as well, usually a scheduled vehicle that takes people to and from appointments and leisure events. At The Hamlets at Cedarwood, we pride ourselves in making sure that we provide independent living for our residents, and our services reflect that.