Before we discuss how ride share can reduce stress for seniors, we need to identify the most common causes and/or sources stress. Current events have magnified the levels of stress experienced by many seniors.
Financial Security
The annual inflation rate for the
United States is 7.9% for the 12 months ended February 2022. This is the highest rate since January 1982. Many seniors live on fixed incomes and some
rely exclusively on social security checks to meet their needs each month. Many
older adults have modest savings (if any). Some lack the ability to afford
basic medical care. Further, 63% of adults ages 65 and older have at least two
chronic medical conditions, leading to increased out-of-pocket expenses. Most
adults ages 65 and older receive Social Security benefits. The average benefit
for a retired worker is $1,514 per month.
Worrying about how to make ends meet is a serious concern.
Transportation Costs
Triple A reports that the average
Annual Cost of New Car Ownership Increases 5% to $9,282 or $773 per month. AAA dives into the data every year to produce
a comprehensive review of ownership costs across nine different categories of
new vehicles. AAA found that average costs increased in every expense category
it analyzed:
- Fuel costs rose to 11.6 cents per mile, up about half a cent from last year.
- Maintenance, repair and tire costs climbed to 8.94 cents per mile, up 0.73 cents.
- Annual average insurance costs inched up to $1,194 per year, a $5 increase.
- Licensing, registration and taxes rose to $753 per year, up $14.
Senior Ride Share Clubs can help
seniors mitigate the rising costs of transportation.
Loss of Independence
Research shows one of the biggest
concerns among seniors is the ability to live independently for as long as
possible. Independence is a simple concept. At its most basic level, it means
having full autonomy over one’s own life. Most seniors are able to live
independently, but some will require different levels of assistance. Senior Ride Share Clubs can help seniors
continue to live independently.
Loneliness and Depression
The loss of a close friend or a spouse
or the decision to stop driving, cause a significant reduction in the amount of
time a Senior can spend with other people. Changes in the amount of time spent
with others can lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness and result in
significant stress. Research shows that about 28 percent of adults aged 50-80
years felt depressed or hopeless for several days or more within the past two
weeks and 44 percent reported feeling stressed. Senior Ride Share Clubs can
help seniors stay engaged with friends, family and the community.
Senior Ride Share Clubs
What
Makes Reliable Rider (RR) Different?
Reliable
Rider Clubs can provide shared mobility for Seniors who want the Dollar Savings of
Shared Ownership. Many seniors no longer want the
liabilities of driving, auto ownership and maintenance for a variety of
reasons. With shared ownership the
operating costs of transportation are divided by the number of members in the
club and by the miles of transportation used by each member. Operating costs
include: drivers, vehicles, insurance, fuel, service maintenance, repairs and
administrative costs. Seniors want safety, a competitive price, and availability.
Reliable Rider Clubs (DBA’s) are motivated by cost-savings and operational-efficiencies
for club members, rather than by profits generated for corporate
shareholders and stakeholders. If a Senior
Ride Share Club is interesting to you - register your
interest.
Reliable Rider Clubs provide
a host of benefits for Seniors. All applicants for club membership receive
background checks of criminal history prior to having their membership
approved. Applicants pay for their own background check ($75 non-refundable).
Clubs will have no more than 30 to 60 members in their Members Only Ride
Share System. Club members can book their ride pickup time and
location and the destination location up to 90 days in advance. Other club members can share the same ride if
their pickup location and destination location align with the route. Club members pay $250 per month for up to 250
miles of transportation in that month.
If a club member uses more than 250 miles of transportation in any
month, their credit card will be billed $1.50 per extra mile.
Contact us with any questions you
may have.
