Award Winning Senior Transportation

One of the keys to independent living for seniors is access to transportation. This morning I read some really great stories about organizations all over the country that are providing superior senior transportation. These organizations were all winners the STAR Awards from the Beverly Foundation. I found the write-ups to be truly inspirational: So many volunteers and professionals driving so many miles to help seniors (or "elders") get to medical appointments or go shopping for groceries.

You can read the stories for yourself: http://beverlyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/STAR-Awards-2011-Report-FINAL.pdf

If you are part of an organization that provides senior transportation, then maybe you'll want to apply for a STAR award. As chair of the Aging in Place+Gallivant transportation committee, I'm thinking that we should do so, but maybe next year.

Here's a copy of the Beverly Foundation's brief release about their awards:

Beverly Foundation Senior Transportation STAR Awards—Application Opens January 15
The Beverly Foundation will be awarding $10,000 to up to 18 senior transportation services and programs through the 2012 STAR Awards. To be eligible for a STAR Award, applicants must: deliver transportation services to senior passengers; be in operation for at least three years; know how to report transportation data (e.g., driven miles, cost per ride, number of senior passengers); demonstrate an ability to identify good practices in delivering transportation services to senior passengers; and submit a complete application. Application instructions, past STAR Award reports, and a news release are now online. The STAR Awards application may be accessed through the Beverly Foundation website starting January 15 and will close on January 29.

Try Pickleball!

Yesterday, I tried playing Pickleball for the second time in my life. The first time was outside on Cape Cod while visiting relatives. Yesterday was in the Darien Town Hall gym. A friend (Ruth Anne Ramsey, who is a local realtor) arranged for a demonstration Town Hall in an effort to get our Parks and Recreation Department to sponsor Pickleball.

Ruth Anne says Pickleball is great for all ages, kids through seniors, and I agree. Our coach for the day was 80 years old. She made sure to get people out of the audience to come out on the court and try their hand at playing. Ruth Anne also told me that the Darien Schools have introduced Pickleball into their physical education program.

If you haven't tried Pickleball, it's a great way to get out and get exercise without putting as much strain on your joints as you do in tennis or paddle tennis. Take a look at the YouTube videos (see below) and the Pickleball website for more information. Then, get something going in your town.

Watch for announcements about Pickleball in Darien, CT.