Are there days when you wish you could hit pause? Do you sometimes laugh when you hear 70 is the new 50? Did you wish for a personal driver on your last birthday? Finding transportation options that meet the needs of older adults can be challenging. While there are several exciting ways to get connected with others without leaving the house, going out to socialize and engage with the world is invaluable for long-term physical and mental health. Transportation options are not always created with older adults in mind, which is why finding accessible senior transportation near you is so important.
The good news is that northern Virginia is home to a variety of supportive and volunteer services to keep transportation accessible to people as they age. From public transit to Shepherds Centers with volunteer transport services, you can continue to stay active thanks to supportive resources. Here is how.
Why Accessible Transportation Matters
Even if you enjoy time spent at home, getting out of the house matters. As many as one in three older adults describe feeling lonely when they have to stay home consistently. Of these, about a quarter meet the qualifications for social isolation, which can have profound impacts on one’s health.
Studies indicate that those who have access to free transportation at retirement age and beyond are happier, with 90% reporting improvement in their quality of life and 66% engaging in more frequent social visits as a result.
Accessible transportation is the most direct solution for improving wellness, mental health, and quality of life. When an older individual has options to leave without risking their safety, our families can continue to cherish the activities, interests, and culture that we value. Call the SCNOVA office about our no-cost transportation programs!
Options for Active Living in NOVA
In northern Virginia, older adults have plenty to love when it comes to staying active. If you are not sure where to go once you have found a transportation service you trust, consider the following:
Exercise classes
Exercise is great for the body, and this is even more true as a person ages. Maintaining flexibility, range of motion, and strength can help decrease the risk of injury, falling, and more. While jogging or pickleball may be great options for some, other older adults prefer calmer, less strenuous activities.
That is just fine! Consider exercise classes made for participants of all abilities. Tai chi, for instance, is a type of movement exercise originating in China that focuses on slow, controlled movements. This activity can be an accessible option, even for those who need to remain seated while working out. SCNOVA, for example, offers both online and in-person tai chi/qigong classes two times a week. Click here for more information. Other local activity classes can be found readily through the community centers in Vienna, Herndon, and Reston.
Similarly, some non-profits offer opportunities, such as active wellness classes, that are specifically targeted to older adults. These classes focus on balance and strength, aiming to reduce the risk of falls. Because falls are the number one cause of injury in people over the age of 65, a targeted approach such as this is invaluable.
Social events
Many social events in NOVA are suitable for people of any age. The Annual Harvest Festival Lunch with the Vienna Community Center, for instance, features a friendly lunch and music provided by the Bluegrass band Hickory Grove. If you missed it this year, don’t worry; it’s an annual tradition!
If you would rather enjoy the Christmas season, what about the Holiday Tea & Sweets Celebration on December 9? It will take place at St. Mark Catholic Church (9970 Vale Rd, Vienna, VA 22181) and includes holiday teas and entertainment inspired by the season from noon to 2 pm.
SCNOVA is hosting both events, so be sure to register!
Hobbies and interests
If you have specific hobbies or interests, there is no reason to believe that finding a dedicated event or group is necessary in order to enjoy them. While senior centers might have opportunities to build puzzles, play games, and more, consider creating your own adventures as well. Use accessible transportation to visit public parks, tour local sights, or simply try a new café. SCNOVA offers transportation for social and wellness activities as well as medical needs. Let us be your trusted connection for your next adventure!
Learn More About Accessible Senior Transportation Near You
If you or your family member is excited to enjoy everything the NOVA region has to offer, SCNOVA is the place to be. SCNOVA offers numerous services to help keep you active and thriving, thanks to our generous volunteers.
Contact us to discover how the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia is making a difference in communities such as Oakton, Vienna, Dunn Loring-Merrifield, Great Falls, Herndon, and Reston. If you’re outside these areas but have questions, give us a call, and we’ll guide you to the Shepherd’s Center nearest to you.