5 recommendations on how to make transportation elderly-friendly

1. Tactile Network Systems and Markings

Tactile paving is characterized as surfaces that have texture, contrasting colour, and are
perceptible and identifiable underfoot and by using a cane, or through functional vision.
This flooring is designed to guide and inform people especially the elderly with visual
impairments about their surroundings, to increase their autonomy, mobility,
confidence, and safety leading the way to the doorway of the bus and bus shelter.

2. Wider use sign boards and audio-visual announcements on buses could increase older
people’s confidence in using public transport
As most older adults have sensory deficiences especially with hearing and vision, it is
crucial to provide information in audible and visble format. Fonts and color choices
should provide strong contrasts. Announcements should use clear voice and
language.The content and information should be conscise and understandable

3. Putting of easy to use bell pushes throughout a bus in getting off

Bus stop bell system is provided to prevent the accident of occurring in the bus by
pressing the getting off bell which is the wireless system. The elderly can be seated at
any location without having to travel near the driver’s area to tell them they want to
get off. It aims to contribute to the safe operation of the vehicle by providing a system
that can push the bell.

4. Create areas for wheelchairs, walkers and groceries

Walker seat concept aim to improve the situation for elderly people who uses walkers
or wheelchairs and spaces for groceries or luggages by providing a designated area
adapted for them in the form of a seat with reserved floor space. This is located close to
the door used for boarding to minimize the walking distance or convenience in the seat
spaces on board the bus. The surroundings of the seat are kept free of handrails and
other obstacles that could intervene with the walker when placed in front of the seat.
To aid the walker user standing up as well as to prevent the user sliding off the seat, the
seat has been equipped with handholds on the sides. The concept also makes it possible
for walker users to sit together with others on the bus.
5. Add bus stops with benches along sidewalks
 With the installation of bus stops with bences in our country, older adults don’t have to
struggle while waiting for the bus to come. A bus stop provides protection from any
elements and seating while waiting for a bus. Standardized shelters exist that
accommodate various site demands and passenger volumes. Typically, a shelter is
constructed of clear side-panels for visibility and safety. Patrons who have difficulty
standing will benefit from seating and will more likely use transit services. Seating
located in the shelter should leave clear space for patrons with wheelchairs to use the
shelter. Their proper design, as well as lighting, and regular maintenance are important
to providing a barrier-free travel path for all persons.

Age Friendly Seattle focuses on eight domains of livability that cities can address to better serve
the needs of older people.

1. Community and information

 Staying connected with events and people and getting timely, practical information to
manage life and meet personal needs is vital for active ageing.

 Information can be disseminated through direct personal delivery, telephone and

distribution in key locations: community centres and bulletin boards, public services,
libraries, stores, doctors’ offices and health clinics

 Regular and reliable distribution of information should be  assured by government or

voluntary organizations.

We now communicate in ways few could have imagined a decade ago. The growing conversion
of services and documentation to computer technology could be new to older adults, increasing
social exclusion Age-friendly communities recognize that information needs to be shared
through a variety of methods since not everyone is tech-savvy, and not everyone has a
smartphone or home-based access to the internet. Affordable access to computers for seniors
in community facilities can play an important role in building technological literacy in seniors,
together with computer training adapted to seniors’ needs and pace of learning.

2. Community support

 Health and support services are vital to maintaining health and independence in a
community.

 Having well-located, easily accessible health services is fundamentally important for

older people in a community.
  An adequate range of health and community support services is offered for promoting,
maintaining and restoring health.

 Health and social services offered address the needs and concerns of older people

 Residential care facilities, such as retirement homes and nursing homes, are located
close to services and residential areas so that residents remain integrated in the larger
community.

at some point, every person of every age gets hurt, becomes ill or simply needs some help.
While it’s important that assistance and care be available nearby, it’s essential that residents are
able to access and afford the services required.

All people should have access to affordable health care and communityservices that
help them live comfortably and with dignity. Age Friendly Seattle supports coordination
and promotion of services to help meet the needs of older adults and caregivers.