Getting around is essential for older people to maintain independence, access services and stay connected with their communities. When cost, health and mobility barriers exist that make private car use difficult for an older person, the impact on their daily life can be significant.
COTA SA Chief Executive, Miranda Starke
COTA SA is pleased to share that we will be among the recipients of the government's recently announced Ageing Well Community and Research Grants. This will allow us to deliver our project, Getting Around Your Way: Codesigning Transport Options for Regional South Australia.
We know from speaking to people throughout South Australia that transport is an issue of concern and that this is even more impactful in regional areas. The initiative aims to support older people in regional areas to better understand and explore alternatives to driving, including active travel, community transport and public transport. It will examine the emotional, cultural and practical factors behind car dependence and, through a codesign process with older people, councils and transport providers, develop solutions shaped directly by community input.
"COTA’s research grant of $100,000 provides an opportunity to transform how we think about transport for older people in regional South Australia where better ways to get around can be life-changing,” said COTA SA's Chief Executive, Miranda Starke.
We will be heading out regionally later in the year - so watch this space! If this is a topic that resonates with you, we'd love to hear from you - email connect@theplugin.com.au.