Prime Time

POSTED: Sunday, May. 11, 2008

Adjustments in planning, attitude keep seniors mobile

Sgt. David Richards of the Bellingham Police Department says there's a sure-fire way senior drivers will know when it may be time to switch to other ways to get around town.

"When you notice your car has dents and you don't know where they came from, or when they occurred, you probably caused them," he says. "Or when you have those moments where you're saying to yourself, 'Wow, that was close!'"

Surrendering freedom seniors have enjoyed — or often have taken for granted — isn't easy. But that doesn't mean seniors have to give up their transportation mobility.

Being realistic and knowledgeable about their options is vital for seniors to assure the safest and smoothest path from point A to point B, whether it's one mile or 1,000 miles.

'A RELIEF AND A RELEASE'

Ruth Voigt, an 81-year-old Bellingham resident, stopped driving in March, but that hasn't prevented her from getting around efficiently. She did her homework, which in her case meant looking into the variety of specialized bus possibilities offered by the Whatcom Transportation Authority.

"I wasn't seeing as well as I should," she says, explaining why she decided to sell her car, "and I have a bad hip. My reflexes aren't what they should be for safe driving.

"It's actually kind of a relief and a release," Voigt says. "I've never had an accident, and I did a lot of driving, so I figured I might as well stop now."

She says she still can get pretty much everywhere she needs to go while using the WTA's specialized transportation.

"I'm very independent, so in a way it was a difficult transition to make, since I don't have the spontaneity and control I used to have," she says. "But in some ways, I'm actually enjoying my trips more. I'm seeing things I could never see while I was focused on driving, and the WTA bus drivers are wonderfully helpful."

Richards, who runs the Bellingham Police Department's traffic unit, is always impressed when seniors such as Voigt decide for themselves when it's time to quit driving and use other forms of transportation.

Richards knows firsthand how tough this can be. "When my mother was 72, she was diagnosed with cancer and she handed me the keys to her car," he remembers.

"Please don't make us (the police and the Department of Licensing) make this decision for you," he says. "This really isn't something we like to do."

'THEY HAVE GIVEN US A LIFE'

Cris Colburn, manager of specialized transportation for the Whatcom Transportation Authority, is proud of the services offered by both the paratransit (specialized) and fixed-route divisions.

"Our focus in specialized transportation is service to people with disabilities," he says. "We're neutral with regard to people's ages, although a large percentage of our riders are seniors, about 80 percent."

Colburn says the WTA has 4,000 local folks registered for specialized transportation, which involves curb-to-curb service and is mandated through the Americans with Disabilities Act passed by Congress. People must request certification, which the WTA establishes beginning with an interview process. Riders must make arrangements the previous day before 5 p.m.

"These people are eligible under ADA standards, although many of our senior riders use our regular fixed-route service, especially now that we have five 'Go Lines' serving our densest areas of Bellingham," he says. "These are the lines where riders never have to wait more than 15 minutes for a bus during regular hours of operation."

Specialized transportation, however, is a life-saver for Bellingham's Bill Graves, 88, and Vicki Graves, 72.

"Both of us are in wheelchairs," says Vicki Graves. "I've been in a wheelchair more than 30 years, and Bill for five years. WTA is the only transportation we have, since we can't get in and out of cars.

"The WTA drivers have treated us so well. I can't say enough about how grateful we are to them and how good and professional these people are," she says. "They have given us a life. I'm sure they don't always feel like being cheerful, but they are, and that's a real important part of their service in helping us get around. The drivers are willing to provide services they aren't required to do."

She loves to tell the story of how one WTA driver really went above and beyond for her.

"We got locked out of our apartment, and our driver was so concerned about us. He called for permission to go through one of our windows to get our keys. We had a screen, and he fixed it perfectly after he finished helping us."

Ron Dansey, 86, and his wife, Loretta, 85, also refused to give up their mobility and enthusiastically use specialized transportation.

"I had a mini-stroke (not long ago) and lost part of my vision," Ron Dansey says. "I was still driving and it was quite hard to give it up, especially since Loretta has severe arthritis and has not been able to drive for many years.

"But I've discovered the WTA drivers are very good at helping us. I don't know what we would do without them. We've lived all over the country, and I've never seen a better system for people with disabilities. You're allowed four bags per person, for example, when you go shopping.

"This hasn't slowed us down at all, though you do have to plan your days more," he says. "You have to call one day in advance, and you can go two different places in one day" using specialized transportation.

ON THE GO

Ardith Kling, 78, a resident of The Willows Retirement Apartments, is legally blind because of macular degeneration, but she hasn't let that keep her from getting around. She relies on buses, cabs and her own note-taking system.

"I had a stroke in 2000 and my eyes suddenly became much worse," Kling says. "I had to give up driving. I lost all my alphabet. But I can still see some, just not words and numbers.

"So what do I do? I use audiotapes for my books and I've created a system of yellow sticky notes with black writing I can read, to describe everywhere I want to go.

"I still use regular (fixed-route) bus transportation as much as I can," she says. "I decided to learn all about the bus routes by actually riding the buses around so I could learn all I could about Bellingham, and this has worked out fine for me. I've never been slow about doing what I need to do. I figure I still have to take care of myself."

Kling has learned that if she sits near the front of her bus, with her trusty notebook in hand, and counts the intersections, she can get wherever she needs to go just fine.

"I don't use the specialized transportation very often, but I often do call a cab when I go somewhere and I have too much to carry, and when I'm just worn out. I'm sure I'm saving a lot of money over driving by using buses and cabs."

At the WTA, Colburn says seniors such as Kling who use fixed-route transit even if they have disabilities are a good example of how the system can support seniors. Use of fixed-route transit is encouraged whenever anyone can use it since there is a high demand for specialized transportation.

'A REAL BARGAIN'

For seniors who no longer drive, using a taxi might seem expensive in contrast to the inexpensive monthly WTA bus passes ($10 over age 65). But Deb Logan, operations manager of Yellow Cab of Whatcom and Skagit counties, says even a couple of cab rides per week are still much cheaper than operating a car.

With insurance, gas, maintenance and the inevitable repairs, operating an auto costs well over $2,000 per year, even if you own the vehicle outright, she says.

"A five-mile trip costs about $15 plus tip," says Logan. "Compare that to the cost of owning and maintaining a car, and buses and cabs become a real bargain for seniors."

Plus, she says, seniors receive a 10 percent cab discount if they ask for it.

Logan works with senior-service agencies in Whatcom and Skagit counties. Like the WTA bus drivers, she says cab drivers often get to know and like their regular senior patrons.

"Maybe about 25 percent of our business is seniors," she says. "We contract with the WTA, and we work with the Northwest Regional Council (an Area Agency for Aging in a federal program). We have integrated our senior support system with the community, and we're happy to do so."

Logan says that seniors who might be a little nervous about getting in a cab need not worry. "Our drivers are now all employees, and they get a wage no matter how short trips are. They now undergo background checks. All of our drivers also now take pre-employment drug test."

Logan advises seniors to plan group outings using a cab.

"When three or four seniors get together for a shopping trip, for example, a cab becomes a pretty inexpensive way to go. And we're here 24/7, although we do recommend reservations whenever possible. We also have wheelchair van service, which is very important for the needs of some of our customers."

"Seniors are a very important part of whom we serve," Logan says. "We feel we help many seniors every day, and that feels very good."

Margie Murray, a 90-year-old resident of The Willows, has seven children, 21 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She drove her own car until she was 87.

"But my feet started getting numb," she says. "It wasn't my eyes that were the problem, but rather my feet. I had nerve damage. My kids were so happy when I quit driving, but they didn't want to tell me."

So, one Christmas gift was "a $50 gift card for cab rides," she recalls with delight.

"I used to live in the country on a farm, so I love to get out in the country … and I still do," she says.

FLIGHT PLANS

Art Choat, who is responsible for operations at Bellingham International Airport, says there is one must for both experienced and inexperienced travelers, especially seniors who may not fly often.

"Do your homework before you come to the airport," he says. "The Internet and customer service representatives will provide all the information you'll need."

At Bellingham International Airport, or at much bigger airports, Art Choat says trips need not be confusing for well-prepared seniors.

"People need to do their homework about the (Transportation Security Administration) screening process," says Choat, who has been director of aviation for the Port of Bellingham since 2002. "The TSA Web site is the biggest change in preparing to fly. The site provides all the information you'll need," he says. "This has taken the mystery out of flying."

For seniors who don't use the Internet, Choat says that enlisting a family member or friend's help is important.

"When a person makes a reservation, he or she should be sure to tell customer representatives about any needs for special assistance," he says. "Don't just assume they're going to know. You need to communicate and let them know your needs, so they can help you."

Choat points out that all air carriers have charts of the larger airports, and that passengers are well-advised to check these out and know what parts of the airport will be important for smoother traveling.

"Make sure carriers know if you lack mobility," he says. "Don't be afraid to ask for help. After all, everyone has moms and dads. But if you're someone who is not familiar with airport procedure, it's going to be a special challenge if you haven't done your homework.

"If you are initimidated easily, it's good to have a sponsor — family member, neighbor, friend, etc. — to help you."

Choat points out that people with disabilities are allowed to board airplanes first, so these people "should not be afraid to 'go for it.'"

The "cattle call" approach to some aspects of modern flying may be off-putting for some seniors who haven't flown since the days air travel was more dignified in the 1950s and 1960s. Flying first class provides a touch of what flying once was in terms of a special experience, but it usually costs five to 10 times more.

"Flying is crowded, but the common touch hasn't gone away," Choat says. "Fellow passengers will usually be compassionate for seniors."

When Margie Murray wanted to visit family in Santa Rosa, Calif., she says she didn't hesitate to fly last Thanksgiving at age 89.

"There was always someone there to help at the airport," she says. "I got a wheelchair at Sea-Tac Airport and there was no confusion for me. I was just fine."

"All you have to do is be sure to plan well," says Ardith Kling, her well-organized friend.

'LIVE WITHIN THOSE LIMITATIONS'

At the Bellingham Police Department, Sgt. Richards has 28˝ years of dealing with traffic issues. He estimates he has spoken before more than 3,000 senior drivers in groups under former programs, and he has talked with thousands of others more informally.

"If a group of seniors wants me to speak with them, I always want to make the time to talk about the issues they're concerned with," he says.

Richards says the cohort of drivers 60 and older are No. 2 in accident involvement, behind 15- to 25-year-old drivers. For younger drivers, judgment is often the primary issue, but for older drivers, it's physical capabilities.

"Reaction time, motor-muscle skills, legs, hips, knees, shoulders — they all can play a major role in safe driving," he says. "There are no special laws aimed at senior drivers, as long as they're healthy and capable.

"Hey, I'm 56 and I don't try to do what 24-year-olds do," he says. "I have limitations and I have to live within those limitations."

He says safe use of the legs is paramount, since no driver can afford to become confused about the pedals. It's always unsafe to use the left leg to operate the gas pedal and the brake.

He says the No. 1 restriction imposed on senior drivers is mandatory use of eyeglasses or contact lenses while driving. He points out that some seniors are limited to daytime driving, or to driving only for certain distances, such as within five miles of their homes. Some seniors are permitted to use only cars with automatic transmissions.

"A police officer can require a re-examination at the Department of Licensing if we feel that is necessary," he says. "I've submitted three of those. I've talked with drivers in their 90s whom I would consider safe drivers. But what I always say is, please be mature about it and know when it's time to hang up the car keys."

Richards says negotiating stop signals and following too closely — a problem complicated when seniors lack adequate reaction time — are the leading causes of accidents among seniors.

"It's very important to know a car's capabilities and limitations, too," he says, when asked if there is a "best car" for seniors. And he recommends an automatic braking system.

"The No. 1 accident with regard to auto damage is backing accidents," he says. "I've always made sure all my cars have had good mirrors. People need to know where the four corners of a car are at all times. And upkeep of the car is of utmost importance.

"Small cars are just as safe as anything else," he says. "The real key to safe operation for seniors, or anyone else, is good vision."

Richards reminds drivers of all ages that they are not allowed to create a backup of more than five cars; drivers must pull over at the first safe opportunity. It's also vital (and the law) to stay in the right lane except when passing.

"You need to be comfortable at the posted speed, and you need to maintain that speed," he says. "I would say you need to drive within five miles of the speed limit on the freeway, when weather, safety and traffic conditions permit."

Richards, who is noted on the police force for his sense of humor, says he has heard every possible excuse, from seniors and everyone else.

"I actually give points for creativity," he says with a laugh.