THE BENEFITS OF RIDE-SHARING for Older Adults
Last month, we welcomed Nikki to the team. Now, she’s back to share some of her recommendations for enjoying the natural beauty of California. I’ve enjoyed the outdoors since I was a child. Probably thanks to my dad, who came home every day to played baseball, basketball, and football with me. Ever since, I’ve looked for healthy ways to get my endorphin fix. My favorite outdoor hobbies include hiking, backpacking, and camping. Santa Monica provides a rich landscape for hikers, and every Friday, a group of us head out after work to enjoy it. Each week, we pick a different trail. Sullivan’s Canyon and Will Rogers State Park are just a couple we’ve explored. Most of the hikes are close enough that you can hop in your car, go for a hike, and be back in under two hours. According to the Community Transportation Association, 26 million older adults rely on others for transportation. Between the lack of autonomy and the fear of being a burden, this dependency often leads to a decreased quality of life. Most seniors don’t want to call a loved one every time they need a ride, and public transportation is often a hassle at best. Recently, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have offered older adults an alternative way to get where they want to go. If you’ve never tried ride-sharing before, here’s how it works. Using an app on your phone, you set a pick-up and drop-off location. In just a matter of minutes, a driver is at your door, ready to travel to your destination. Payment is automatically linked to your phone, so you don’t need to worry about having cash on hand. If you need help setting up the app, reach out to a tech-
savvy friend or family member. Odds are they’ve used these services themselves.
and efficiency, which far outweighs most other transportation alternatives.
are beautiful even in the rain, when the drops add a beautiful layer of “crystals” to everything they fall on. In our dryer areas, you’ll see no trees, but huge, gorgeous, red rocks instead. Head to the Painted Canyon in Palm Springs for a glimpse of this. Without foliage, it showcases another kind of beauty thanks to the multicolored rocks. One of my favorite parts of hiking is listening to the wildlife around me. I listen for crickets, owls, and once, even heard a rattlesnake nearby. We knew it was time to move on and stay out of its way! Despite a few dangerous animals living in our area, they mostly aren’t interested in hurting anyone. It’s important to remember we’re in their home and must proceed with caution when we see or hear them. Like most of us, I’m always on a tight schedule, between working and taking care of my teenage daughter, so I find refuge in nature. I keep a pair of boots and If you need help getting in and out of the vehicle, Uber even offers a special service called uberASSIST. Drivers in this program have special training and offer door-to-door assistance. Newer companies designed specifically for seniors, like SilverRide and Lift Hero, are expanding into new regions all the time. Ride-sharing offers a number of benefits to older adults who don’t want to rely on a friend or loved one for transportation. Have a medical appointment? Getting there has never been easier. Looking to take a walk somewhere that requires a short drive? You can ride-share there and back. Going out for a bite to eat? With the touch of a button, you’ll soon be on your way. Ride-sharing offers increased independence, security,
You might think of mobile technology as an industry aimed largely at younger generations who live their lives on their phones. Ride-sharing services, however, can offer just as much benefit to you as to those rowdy 20-somethings. If you need a quick, affordable ride, give these apps a shot.
GETTING OUTSIDE IN SANTA MONICA Recommendations FromOur Client Services Director
an extra pair of pants in my car so that wherever I am, I can get outside. I believe in the work-hard, play-hard mentality, and is there anything better than playing in nature? There’s something truly special about being outdoors, enjoying God’s creations. I hope you find time to get outside and enjoy it, too. –Nikki Harjo
We’re lucky to live in a place where it’s warm enough to hike year round. The trails
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