Los Feliz Ledger [senior moments]
Pedestrian Safety with Seniors In Mind By Stephanie Vendig Ledger Columnist A week of countdown of the seconds reyounger age groups. sightseeing in Washington maining to complete the crossAccording to a report D.C. was my latest experience. ing. It wasn’t just 10 seconds, “Dangerous by Design 2011” There is much to see and one but 23 seconds. A recent Los produced by the organization week doesn’t do it justice. The Angeles Times article described Transportation for America, trip was not done via the usual this new thinking in city older adults are 96% more bus tour. We used our feet and planning to take into considlikely to be killed while walkpublic transportation. Washeration the needs of the older ing than those under 65 years ington, D.C.’s Metro system population (65 +) whom are of age. In their study of trafis comprehenfic fatalities sive, and for the from 2000 to beginner, a bit 2009, the older overwhelming. adults repreA recent Los Angeles Times article The number of sented 22% described this new thinking in city people being of pedestrian transported is planning to take into consideration the deaths even staggering, but though they are needs of the older population (65 +) the system does only 13% of it very efficiently. the population. whom are outpacing all other age It is much easier The report sugto estimate the gested that too groups in growth. time for your often the lack journey using of features such the Metro rather as sidewalks, than relying on a car that will outpacing all other age groups crosswalks, street lighting, and more likely face a traffic jam. in growth. The old thinking public bus shelters in appropriBut it was not only the was that you design the roads ate places increased the risk of Metro that impressed me, for moving traffic as quickly as fatalities. And, most states use there were intersections with possible. Unfortunately, the only a fraction of their Federal traffic signals that were timed emphasis on cars comes at the roadway funds for walking to meet the needs of both peexpense of pedestrians and biand bicycling safety. destrians and vehicles. When cycles, especially for the older There is a cost-effectivethe signal came on indicating person who would not be as ness benefit, plus an obvious OK to walk, there was also a fast or agile as those from the health benefit, in creating a
transportation infrastructure that is designed with pedestrian and bicycle safety in mind. Walkable communities are becoming more a trend, and according to a survey done by the National Association of Realtors, Americans would like to live where it is easy to walk to local businesses. And developers are dis-
covering that housing in a walkable community is commanding a higher price than housing in less walkable areas. For seniors, if it were easier and safer to walk or to access public transportation, maybe we wouldn’t hold on to our cars so long, possibly creating a danger for others and ourselves.
Sunset Hall - Curriculum and Advocacy
Programs for free-thinking seniors (323) 660-5277
Conversational Spanish at GPACC on Wednesdays
Griffith Park Adult Community Club Calendar
Free Computer Instruction at GPACC Starting Monday, July 11, 2011 Learn Windows 7, Microsoft Word, Excel, and/or Power Point All ages are welcomed The classes will be scheduled for Mondays – Thursdays, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Call Monty Sutherlin at (323) 644-5579 for more information Lunch Program: Mon.-Fri., GPACC, 11:30 AM sign in, Noon lunch, Donation under 60 $4, 60+ $2 Club Info and Newsletter: Stephanie Vendig, (323) 667-3043 or vendig@sbcglobal.net. Join GPACC: Only $15/year for trips and news. For information on trips, call Doris Slater, (323) 667-1879
Choose Belmont Village for Memory Support We all have occasional difficulty remembering things. When it persists in a loved one, it could be the sign of Mild Cognitive Impairment, or MCI. Belmont’s Circle of Friends® tackles the effects of MCI through a daily program of exercises and activities for our residents. These group “workouts” help to maintain mental alertness, are fun to do, and they work. Our residents and families report a renewed enjoyment for life and improved well-being. If you’re concerned about MCI in a friend or loved one, ask us how our Circle of Friends memory enrichment program can help.
Choose Circle of Friends • Dedicated program coordinator and specially trained staff
Burbank (818) 972-2405 Encino (818) 788-8870 Hollywood Hills (323) 874-7711
• Designed specifically for MCI by a leading gerontologist • Structured exercises and activities tailored for residents’ abilities
Rancho Palos Verdes (310) 377-9977
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Westwood (310) 475-7501
• Seven-day support
Info Center Now Open Thousand Oaks (805) 496-9301
RCFE Lic 197603515, 197603848, 197605090, 198204246, 197607761 © 2011 Belmont Village, L.P.
The Community Built for Life ® www.belmontvillage.com
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