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Date: 4/11/2023
SUNDERLAND — Jennifer Remillard, director of the South County Senior Center, scheduled four meetings in April and May for discussions about one of the most pressing issues facing seniors in Sunderland, Deerfield and Whately: transportation.
The good news? Seniors are staying physically mobile and active longer, often into their 80s and 90s. They choose to keep physically fit, mentally challenge themselves, and it really helps them stay engaged and social.
The bad news? Seniors have a hard time getting around on public transit. Doctor’s visits are important, but social stimulation and organized exercise help stave off the physical maladies. Often, it’s hard to get to Tai Chi and pickleball.
“They need more transportation services. While people may still be mobile, maybe they don’t have access to a car,” Remillard said. Car costs may be a factor, but “people may have always used public transportation, before moving up this way, and it was never an issue before. Now it is an issue.”
Seniors also contend with health challenges. Sight and hearing impairment prevents some from getting behind the wheel. A heart condition, seizure disorder or fainting spells may make driving a little too risky.
Decision makers need hard data before they know, with certainty, the needs of seniors for more public transit. Remillard said the University of Massachusetts Amherst was hired to conduct a needs assessment survey amongst seniors residing in the tri-town area in 2020-2021. The questionnaire drew over 1,300 responses.
Housing was identified as the top concern, with transportation a second source of insecurity. Remillard, a resident in the community served by the South County Senior Center, already knew about gaps in public transport in her area. There aren’t enough fixed routes and the buses don’t follow them often enough. Remillard also sees pronounced difficulties for seniors in Whately and Deerfield trying to get to services in Hampshire and Hampden Counties.
The Franklin Regional Council of Governments did a smaller study in Franklin County. That survey also identified transportation as an issue for seniors. Sunderland is served by the Franklin Regional Transit Authority.
Remillard scheduled 10 a.m. meetings on April 11, 18 and 25, and May 9, for working groups to gather granular level information on how the transit system in the region can improve services to seniors. The Mass in Motion grant, filed through LifePath, brings about $12,000 to fund the research in all three towns.
“Through this grant we’re going to be able to market services and change some access, the environment piece,” Remillard said. The work will provide “more information to people, and connection and contact, to those who may not normally realize what the Senior Center and other community resources can provide, in addition to the PVTA and FRTA.”
The Valley Neighbors organization is invited to talk with seniors at Remillard’s center. Remillard, director since early last year, hopes to initiate a program for volunteer drivers. A second van may be purchased with a Massachusetts Rural Transit Assistance Program grant, depending on input from the communities.
“We’re really looking to hear [residents’] shared experience, and what their thoughts are, as far as resolving things, providing solutions,” Remillard said. “Once we have more information provided and created among the working groups, my goal is to invite state legislators, local selectboard members, and other folks within the community…to see [that] this is what our issue is, this is what we need your help with, how can you help us?”
State Rep. Paul Mark (D-Pittsfield) is a co-chair of the state’s Transportation Committee. “It would be great,” Remillard said, “if he could at least see what our issues are…That’s a goal.”
Seniors and other residents interested in participating in a working group are encouraged to call the South County Senior Center at 413-665-2141. The center’s webpage is on the site of the town of Deerfield.