Since I first began driving at age 24, the automobile has been an integral part of my life. I used it every day to take my seven children to school, to doctors and dentists and to extra curricular activities. I was also on the road as a teacher for 40 years, as mayor of Chamblee for one term, as a community volunteer and in service with the USCG Auxiliary on Lake Lanier.
Then, when my mother was in her seventies, my daughter and I had to convince her to give up her car. At that time I made a resolution that when my time came, I would make the decision myself and not leave it to others. A year or so ago, even though my health was good and I was issued a new license, I was diagnosed with macular degeneration, and my hearing was deteriorating. I put down my keys and called it quits.
The transition was stressful, and it is still occasionally problematic. I have a great deal of support from family, friends and neighbors, but as an independent person, it is sometimes difficult for me to have to depend on others and ask them to do things for me. One big problem is making an appointment several weeks in advance and not knowing if transportation is available. Planning and writing everything down is an absolute necessity. When a relative, friend or neighbor goes shopping and asks me along, I need to be prepared to pick up those odds and ends I used to accomplish with just a quick car trip.
As far as what is available beyond family, friends and neighbors, there are some options.Taxi cabs are always available for short trips. MARTA Mobility is available to many seniors. My experience with MARTA is that it is a wonderful service for those who have unlimited time. It is hard to estimate the length of time that an appointment will take, and pick-up waiting times may add up to another hour before and after appointments. This makes it difficult for those who have busy schedules.
A better public transportation system for seniors would be very helpful. DeKalb Senior Centers have a Golden Shuttle service available to seniors during the morning and early afternoons. It goes to some malls, grocery stores, libraries, YMCAs and so forth, with different schedules on different days. The main problem with that service is that it closes down too early in the day.
It would be ideal to have a shuttle that ran a regular route in neighborhoods from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This has been under discussion in cities, counties and senior centers and at the Atlanta Regional Commission for years as part of the Aging in Place program, but it is still only a dream in progress. A more effective shuttle would make it easier for seniors to give up driving and still stay in their own homes.
Evelyn R. Dane Kennedy, 85, is a former mayor of Chamblee.
