At age 76, John Wistrand didn't want to give up his driver's license. Family and friends accompanied him to medical appointments and family functions, but he didn't feel comfortable asking them to take him to the driving range, shopping or out to a restaurant. And yet his doctors all but insisted he stop driving. The result when he finally gave up his keys? A substantial drop in his activity.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that by 2030 the 65 and older population will double. More than one in five people will be over 65, and one in eleven of those will be over 85. When the time comes for these individuals to stop driving, the effects will be felt not only on their lives, but on the economy as a whole. The impact on a small community the size of Lexington could be $300,000 to $500,000 a year, with estimates for the country reaching $20 million by 2010. Older non-drivers make 15 percent fewer trips to the doctor, 59 percent fewer shopping and restaurant trips and 65 percent fewer visits for social, family and religious activities, and there are less visible effects as well. Absenteeism, the result of loved ones taking time off to get seniors to necessary appointments, affects the workforce's productivity. This factor, in conjunction with other aspects of elder care, is estimated to cost U.S. businesses $11.4 billion per year.
These facts, among others, were deciding factors for Gale Reece who, after retiring in 2006, decided to direct her efforts to a program to help increase the mobility of senior citizens. "I soon realized that one of the most pressing issues facing older adults is the need for reliable and affordable transportation," she said.
The Independent Transportation Network (ITN) was an answer to her search for a challenging project regarding aging issues. This nationwide, non-profit organization supplies community-supported quality transportation to seniors of 60 years or older, and to those with visual impairment. With the help of now deputy director Laura Dake, they raised the $140,000 - none coming from taxpayer sources - needed to set up ITN Bluegrass. That, in conjunction with passing an exemption to a Kentucky statute regarding insurance on the vehicles used, got them on their way. Reece is now executive director for ITN Bluegrass, which held its official kick-off in September.
ITN offers rides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in privately owned vehicles, with "door through door" service and any needed help with steps and packages. It is a drop-off and pick-up service, and it is not necessary for the driver to be present for the activity or appointment. It is available for any purpose, including mall shopping, restaurant visits, and social gatherings as well as medical and business appointments within the service area, which includes Lexington, Bourbon, Jessamine, Scott and Woodford counties. Drivers are trained volunteers or paid individuals who undergo background checks and have a choice of either being reimbursed for their mileage or accumulating a bank of credits for their own later use or for donation to others. Fares are based on mileage with a pickup fee included, and though advance booking is not required, setting up a ride in advance or sharing a ride qualifies the rider for reduced fares. There is also the opportunity for businesses and health care providers to subsidize the program - offering reduced rates as well. The riders using the service pay a basic membership fee and maintain a personal "bank" account with ITN so that there is never any cash changing hands for the drivers and the riders. Members receive statements detailing the balance in the account and how the funds were used. In addition, a "Road Scholar" program is available for low-income individuals, using donated credits from either volunteer drivers or those donating a car to the program.
The first ITN program was established in Portland, Maine in 1995 and has affiliates in Chicago; Los Angeles; Orlando, Fla.; San Diego; Davenport, Iowa; Charleston, S.C., and northern Connecticut - and now Lexington. Any credits earned can be used or donated to friends or relatives in any of these locations, and gift certificates are available. With the gap between life expectancy and driving expectancy anticipated to be an average of 10 years, ITN provides safe mobility with dignity and offers the independence that often means a quality of life that is lost when individuals become isolated. Without viable alternatives, many seniors continue to drive, though their ability to do so safely diminishes. ITN offers a safe alternative. Kicking off Lexington's program was Vice-Mayor Jim Gray, who did so by opening his car door to a senior needing a ride. The quality of many people's lives are riding on such efforts.
For more information, call (859)252-8665, or e-mail gale.reece@itnbluegrass.org or laura.dake@itnbluegrass.org. For information about the national ITN program, check the Web site at www.itnamerica.org.