Hello and welcome back to The Padded Room.
I'm Margo.
I'm here with Wayne and this is Talking Tech with Wayne, the podcast dedicated to discussing
smartphones, smart homes, and everything in between.
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Today we will discuss transportation tech for seniors and what are some of the benefits
of ride sharing.
That's right, ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft can be a great option for seniors
who can no longer drive or don't want to deal with the hassle of owning a car.
While it can be a more affordable and convenient alternative to traditional taxis or private
car services, ride sharing also allows users to maintain independence and mobility without
relying on friends or family for transportation.
Wayne, that's great to hear.
Are there any safety concerns listeners should know when using ride sharing services?
Safety is always concerned when using any transportation service.
This should use only reputable ride sharing companies and verify the driver's identity
and car before getting in.
They should also let a family member or friend know where they are going and when they can
expect to return.
Those are important safety tips and what about accessibility for seniors with mobility issues?
Ride sharing services offer options for wheelchair accessibility and assistive devices.
Seniors can also request drivers who are trained in assisting passengers with disabilities.
Wayne, that's good to know.
Are there any tips for new listeners who use ride sharing services?
Yes, they should familiarize themselves with the app and how it works before their first
ride.
They should also enter their destination correctly and double check the fare estimate before confirming
the ride.
Finally, they should rate their driver and report any issues or concerns to the ride
sharing company.
Those are helpful tips.
In addition to ride sharing services, GPS navigation can also be useful for users who
need help getting around.
Wayne, can you tell us more about that?
Sure, GPS navigation systems like Google Maps or Waze can help seniors navigate unfamiliar
areas and find the quickest route to their destination.
It can also provide real-time traffic updates and suggest alternate routes if there is a
congestion.
That sounds very helpful.
And are there any specific GPS devices or apps you recommend for seniors?
All GPS devices and apps are available.
Still, I recommend choosing one that is user-friendly and has a large display for easy visibility.
Some popular options include the Garmin Drive Smart and the Tom Tom Go navigation app.
That's good to know.
And what about voice-activated GPS systems, Wayne?
Voice-activated GPS systems can be a great option for seniors with difficulty using touch
screens or small buttons.
These systems allow users to input their destination and control the device using voice commands.
That sounds like some good suggestions.
Are there any other transportation tech options that our listeners should know about?
Yes, there are several transportation tech options available, including electric bicycles
and scooter sharing services.
However, it's important to research these options to consider potential safety risks
before using them.
Wayne, thank you for sharing that information with us.
It's great to know that so many transportation tech options are available for seniors to
stay mobile and independent.
You're welcome.
It's important to keep up with the new technology and explore all available options to improve
their quality of life.
Besides those services and GPS, are there other transportation tech options?
Yes, there are mobile apps that can be helpful for seniors who may have difficulty getting
around.
For example, apps like Uber and Lyft can be used to request a ride on demand.
In contrast, transit apps like Transit and Moveit can provide real-time information on
public transportation, schedules, and routes.
That's great to know.
Wayne, are there any specific features of these apps that make them particularly useful
for seniors?
Many apps have features designed specifically for seniors, such as requesting assistance
or notifying the driver of any special needs before the ride.
Some apps also offer discounted rates for seniors or provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
Now, that's very helpful.
Are there any other mobile apps that you would recommend?
Yes.
Several apps can help folks with mobility, including MedStar, which helps seniors find
nearby medical transportation services, and GoGo Grandparent, which allows seniors to request
rides over the phone if they don't have a smartphone.
That sounds like great resources.
Is there anything else that our listeners should remember when using transportation
tech?
It's important for users to always prioritize their safety when using transportation tech.
They should consider reputable companies with good safety records, always wear seatbelts,
and follow any safety guidelines the app or service provides.
Sharing their ride details with a family or friend for added security is also a good idea.
Thank you for sharing those tips with us.
Seniors need to stay safe and informed when using technology for transportation.
Yes.
There are also smart car features that can be useful for listeners who are still driving,
such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, and backup cameras.
These features can help users stay safe on the road and avoid accidents.
That's a great point.
Wayne, are there any other smart car features that are particularly useful for seniors?
Some cars now come with voice activated controls that can be helpful for those who may have
difficulty with manual controls.
For example, they can use voice control to adjust the temperature or volume or to make
a hands free call.
That's really interesting.
And are there any other smart car features that can benefit seniors?
Yes, some cars now come with built in navigation systems that can provide real time traffic
updates and alternate routes, which can be helpful for users who may have difficulty
reading maps or navigating unfamiliar areas.
Additionally, some cars now have automatic emergency braking systems which can help
prevent accidents by automatically applying the brakes if a collision is imminent.
Wow.
Those are some great features.
It's amazing how technology makes driving safer and more accessible for folks.
Yes, it's really impressive.
And as technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovations that will
benefit seniors and improve their quality of life.
Thank you for sharing that information with us, Wayne.
Senators need to be aware of these smart car features and how they can make driving safer
and more convenient.
Yes, smart traffic alert and information can be helpful for listeners who may have difficulty
navigating heavy traffic or unfamiliar areas.
That's really useful.
Are there any other smart transportation features that listeners should be aware of?
Some cars now come equipped with real time traffic updates and alerts, which can help
drivers avoid congestion and find the fastest route to their destination.
Now that's really innovative.
It's great to see technology being used to improve transportation options for seniors.
Yes, some cities are now implementing smart transportation systems that can provide seniors
with on demand transportation services.
For example, some cities have partnered with ride sharing companies to offer seniors discounted
rides to doctor's appointments or other important destinations.
Additionally, some cities have also implemented shuttle services to pick up seniors from their
homes and take them grocery shopping or other destinations.
Absolutely.
As with all of the information we share here, flex your Google search muscles and log into
our website, www.talking-tech.org, or call our helpline.
And that number is 215-406-HELP.
That's 215-406-4357.
Well, I see that's all the time I have for today.
It has been my pleasure to be here, and I look forward to the next time we can do it
again.
I wish you all a farewell.
Talking Tech with Wayne podcast was produced by Grey Geek Productions, hosted by Margo
Jones and Wayne Hunter.
It was Transparser Blue Jazz by Steppen Cartonburg.