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Seniors Should Not Be Prisoners in Their Homes

One of the truest of all old adages is that “No man is an island.” We think of youth as a time when friendships are formed and “best friends” are created. In adult life relationships become deeper and often stronger – both personally and professionally. When it comes to old age, we tend to think of the elderly as being those who have had their fill of social life and who want to relax at home, read, watch TV or play board games, with the occasional solitary walk thrown in. The fact is that the need for company, support and love is not something that decreases as we age. The truth is that an active social life is important for seniors, perhaps more than those who are younger.
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Why Remaining Socially Engaged Is Important

Healthy relationships play an important part in making us who we are and molding the way our lives turn out. Although their physically active years may be behind them, the importance of social activities remains for seniors. Social interaction keeps them fit – mentally, emotionally and physically. Interaction with social groups helps to prevent cognitive decline in the form of Alzheimer’s and dementia. The interaction with others also helps to promote physical and mental alertness that plays an important part in enhancing the quality of life. The more they socialize, the happier the elderly are and the better their all-round wellbeing. The list of problems that even a partial lack of socialization can cause is large. Among the most common are:

  •   Real or perceived mental decline
  •   Emotional distress in the form of temper tantrums, destructive tendencies and so on.
  •   Depression and loss of interest in activities
  •   Gradual loss of interest in interaction with others

One of the biggest problems that the elderly face in their social activities is that of transport. Driving can be difficult, if not impossible, for many seniors. The use of public transport like taxis and buses can also be a problem even if they are physically fit. Transportation can be a major hassle, even if accompanied by a caregiver. Being taken around by family members or other loved ones may work in some cases, but over time the logistical problems grow and become overwhelming. Additionally, many elderly people do not like the idea of being dependent on any for travel or being beholden to them. The younger folk have other demands on their time and being able to drive the elderly around can have a major negative impact on their lives.

The Ideal Transport Solution

That is where Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) comes into the picture. These services provide transportation specifically for the sick and elderly. They have special vehicles that are easy to enter and exit, even if in a wheelchair. The drivers are trained in the special requirements of transporting those who are unable to travel on their own. The best of them offer doorstep pickup and drop off as well as event standby, so there is no risk of being stranded on the way home after going for a social or entertainment event. If you have an elderly loved one who is confined to home because of transportation difficulties, start them on NEMT and reopen the world for them.
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