AgeWell Rides service keeps Pittsburgh's seniors on the go

Talking to aging loved ones about giving up the car keys can be one of the most emotionally-loaded and difficult topics to approach. When it’s time for a senior to stop driving, there is often a sense of sadness and a loss of abilities and independence. Without reliable transportation, simple errands and activities can become major challenges to an older adult who wishes to remain active and independent.

AgeWell Rides, a volunteer transportation service offered by AgeWell Pittsburgh through Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JF&CS), in collaboration with Repair the World: Pittsburgh, matches local volunteer drivers with seniors who do not or cannot drive and need reliable transportation to go to medical appointments, grocery shopping or socialize in the community—all through a simple phone call.

“Older adults represent a growing segment of Allegheny County’s population and the lack of easy, accessible, and affordable transportation for seniors is a problem recognized at all levels. At JF&CS, we recognized the need in our community to provide reliable transportation options for Pittsburgh’s senior population and came up with a solution,” said Dr. Jordan Golin, director of clinical and elder care services at JF&CS. “Through AgeWell Rides, we’re providing a much-needed service that helps older adults stay as active and independent as possible, enriches the lives of volunteers and gives family members and loved ones peace of mind.”

AgeWell Rides is available to older adults 60 years of age and older, without readily available transportation, who are relatively mobile and able to make and keep track of appointments. AgeWell Rides is a free service, but donations are accepted. Rides can be used for anything that helps older adults remain active and independent.

AgeWell Rides is also recruiting volunteer drivers and offers free volunteer training, flexible schedules, secondary insurance for drivers, gift cards and more. Volunteer drivers who are looking for an easy and rewarding way to make a difference can help older adults stay connected in the community. AgeWell Rides provides volunteer training, flexible schedules, secondary insurance for drivers and more.

Additionally, AgeWell Pittsburgh, a collaboration of JF&CS, the Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Association on Aging, provides information and referral on any number of issues related to aging and operates a network of services designed to help older adults remain healthy and independent. AgeWell Pittsburgh services are provided without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, age, handicap or disability.

For more information about AgeWell Rides, visit bit.ly/agewellrides. To learn more about becoming a volunteer or rider, contact AgeWell Pittsburgh at 412-422-0400 or email agewellrides@jfcspgh.org.

For more information about additional services and resources for older adults and their loved ones, visit www.jfcspgh.org or call the AgeWell Pittsburgh hotline at 1-877-243-1530 (toll-free) or 412-422-0400.