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Our friends at Lifetime Retirement Income have a purpose that we really like and that's "to help people enjoy their retirement with the security of an income for life". But, that's not the only reason we've partnered with them. These days people can expect to live twenty to thirty years in retirement and there are many uncertainties. So we love their Retirement Life articles that provide very helpful and practical advice to live a better retirement.
For example reducing or giving up driving doesn't need to be a barrier to getting out and about. You can read the original article here: "Keeping the wheels spinning when you no longer drive!"
Or you can read the article published in full below and tell us what you think in the comments section.
Keeping the wheels spinning when you no longer drive!
Reducing or giving up driving doesn’t need to be a barrier to getting out and about. With a bit of forethought, you can be on the road just as often as you used to be – if not more.
Get some guidance with Age Concern and Driving Miss Daisy
Age Concern and companion driving service Driving Miss Daisy have produced a booklet aimed at helping seniors plan their transport options when they want to cut back on driving. This may be limiting driving to certain times of the day, or areas they’re comfortable with. Or they may want - or need - to give up driving altogether.
Life without a car: Transport options for seniors explains that it’s important not to be afraid of using money previously spent on a car for other transport options. This way people can continue living life as they want to, getting out and about for things like groceries and medical appointments, as well as staying connected and being part of the community.
The financial benefits of not owning a car
A small new petrol car can have annual running costs of over $4,000 a year, when you tot up basic expenses such as petrol (at $2.28 a litre, 14,000km a year), registration, warrant of fitness, insurance, and servicing. With other costs included, not having a car could leave you $22 a day better off, the booklet outlines.
It suggests creating a transport account, into which you can put the money from selling your vehicle, as well as what you would have spent on running costs, to help fund your new transport options.
There are discounted options for getting around, including free off-peak travel on public transport with the SuperGold and the Total Mobility Scheme which helps with travel costs.
Community-based transport services
Then there are community-based transport options available for health reasons or provided by community groups and local authorities that seniors can make use of.
The booklet outlines these options as well as other ideas such as:
- Taxis and shared rides (don’t forget to check for SuperGold Card discounts)
- Services such as Ola and Uber
- Walking or cycling (e-bikes can be a game-changer here)
- Mixing services – such as walking or getting the bus one way and then taking a taxi home
- Taking family and friends up on offers of rides, even if it’s just one way (this can be a great way to spend time together)
- Mobility scooters
For those struggling to get out and about, Age Concern has a range of services for staying connected, including their visiting service, as well as organising outings and social and exercise groups.
Accessing the information
You can get a free copy of the Life Without a Car: Transport options for seniors booklet from Age Concern or Driving Miss Daisy. Age Concern also offer the Staying Safe refresher course for older drivers.
Want to learn more about Lifetime Retirement Income? Then click on the link below and take a couple of minutes to read all about them and how they can help you create a retirement income for life.
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