I recently had the opportunity to ride along with a volunteer driver for the Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN), a local program that provides free rides to folks in need of accomplishing errands or getting to medical appointments. In my two hours spent with the driver and the rider, it became abundantly clear that there is equal value in the social aspect this program provides, as well as for the practical element of completing errands.
There is a huge need for these kind of volunteer efforts in our communities. In response to this challenge, myself and several locals founded the Age Friendly Communities of the Lower Kennebec (AFCLK) in 2019 to cover the towns of Arrowsic, Bath, Georgetown, Phippsburg, West Bath and Woolwich. One of our first goals was to identify what our communities’ needs were based on our age demographic. To do this, we developed and distributed a survey to libraries, town offices, polling stations, the Bath YMCA, beauty salons, churches and had them available at local events with collection boxes in place. Several of these communities put links on their website as well, and in Woolwich and Arrowsic, surveys were mailed with tax bills.
In addition to the 1,000 people who responded to the survey, we also collected data through listening sessions in each town. Our results, along with census data, showed that 20% of who live in these communities are over the age of 65, and 38% of the people we spoke with told us that “it would not be easy to find a ride if an older person needed one for medical or non-medical appointments.”
For some, reliable transportation means they have access to community social events and activities, such as those offered by the Bath Senior Center. For others, like the gentleman who gave me permission to ride along with him, it’s about continued independence and normalcy. He told me that although he could order his groceries to be delivered, he enjoys going out, walking through the grocery store and seeing people at his bank. He also enjoys the company of his driver.
Nearly 90% of the community members we heard from told us that social and volunteer opportunities, community activities and events were important to them, yet only 9 to 13% said they participated in these activities. Without volunteer efforts to combat the transportation obstacles so many face, social isolation among our aging neighbors would only increase.
Housing also affects transportation needs. For those living near downtown Bath or Brunswick, it’s easier to access the limited, but existing public transportation networks. For those living on rural roads, such as Mountain Road in Woolwich or in West Georgetown, rides can be hard to come by. This is something we must keep in mind when developing housing policies for our area. Adding housing in rural areas without adequate transportation should be carefully considered, especially because we know how important it is for folks to stay and age in their home.
My time spent with the VTN volunteer, and her rider was a humbling reminder that many of us taking driving and our mobility for granted. If you have some time on your hands and you’re interested in helping an aging neighbor, consider volunteering with VTN, which is run by People
Plus, in Brunswick. It’s a rewarding activity for both you and the individual you’re driving, and it helps keep our communities connected, especially the more rural communities I represent.
Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, serves Maine House District 53, which includes Arrowsic, Dresden, Georgetown, Phippsburg, Woolwich and part of Richmond.
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