Senior Citizens
With respect to senior-centric transportation, much of the population expressed that they are unaware of transportation services that effectively meet the needs of their population. This issue is of critical importance because many of the seniors in our community are without personal transportation or lack the capacity to transport themselves to necessary appointments and other errands.
The subcommittee recommends increasing awareness of transportation options for seniors – particularly as it relates to Arlington On-Demand. More specifically, the subcommittee recommends that the City consider providing water bill inserts and other printed material, advertising transportation services to households with senior residents. The City should conduct this targeted outreach in addition to its traditional web-based advertising for transportation resources.
Third, the subcommittee examined the issue of social isolation within the city’ s senior community. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the city’ s senior population has experienced lower volunteer engagement rates. Prior to COVID, the city’ s senior population was one the largest and most active volunteer demographics. In today’ s post-COVID environment, the volunteer rates among the city’ s senior community have waned significantly.
The subcommittee recommends the City create a comprehensive plan to reengage and reactivate seniors around the City’ s volunteer programs.
This recommendation can positively impact seniors by increasing their social interactions throughout the city, while giving them the opportunity to engage in activities to improve self-esteem and build friendships. The implementation of these proposed actions will assist in combating feelings of abandonment and social isolation among our senior residents.
Senior Citizens Subcommittee
Unity Council Report 2023 106