Aging in Hingham - Town of Hingham Massachusetts

Figure 28: Percentage who are drivers, by age group100%90%80%70%60%50%40%45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85+Source: Town of Hingham Department of Elder Services Survey of Residents Age 45 & Over, 2012Respondents who drive were asked if they ever modify their driving behavior by avoiding nightdriving, making left-hand turns, driving in bad weather, expressway driving, or driving in unfamiliarareas or for long distances. Seventeen percent of the Boomers who drive report making somemodifications, as do nearly half of the Seniors (see Figure 29). More than three-quarters ofdrivers aged 80 and older report modifying their driving in some way. Most respondents—79% ofSeniors and 59% of Boomers—are aware that the Department of Elder Services providestransportation services (see Appendix B), and about half of the drivers report that they would usethose services if they were unable to drive in the future. Indeed, a larger share of drivers reportthey would meet their transportation needs using the Department of Elder Services transportationthan say they would use The Ride, taxi service, or public transportation (see Figure 30). Thesefigures suggest high potential demand for transportation assistance through the Department ofElder Services as more seniors reduce or stop driving themselves.41