State's GoGoGrandparent transportation for seniors expands

ALBANY | Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced the expansion of New York's innovative transportation partnership with the ride-and-delivery service GoGoGrandparent, further bridging a gap in the delivery of no-cost rides for older adults across the state. The program is administered by the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and local offices for the aging. "Our unique and innovative transportation models will build on our commitment to ensuring that every New Yorker — regardless of age or mobility — can live with independence, dignity, and connection," Gov. Hochul said. "By expanding our partnership with GoGoGrandparent, we are delivering real solutions that break down barriers, reduce isolation, and empower older adults to stay active in their communities." Through programs administered by NYSOFA, local Area Agencies on Aging (also known as Offices for the Aging) provide about 1.7 million rides annually to older adults in the community, but a great need still exists. The GoGo partnership adds another option to enhance services. Since its inception in 2022, the GoGo partnership has provided older adults with 24,000 additional rides through local offices, helping to bridge a high-priority need at a time when lack of transportation affects older adults and their families in many ways — by jeopardizing independence, worsening social isolation, and impacting health and mental health. New York State Office for the Aging Acting Director Greg Olsen said, "Increasing older adults' access to transportation across the state is a great achievement and pivotal in helping to keep people in a community of their choice. This unique partnership with GoGoGrandparent has supported counties in their efforts to bridge local needs for transportation. I applaud Governor Hochul for her leadership in embracing creative solutions that are making a difference for families across New York State. This initiative is one of many efforts being championed by Governor Hochul to address public safety, affordability, and livability for individuals of all ages." GoGoGrandparent is the first on-demand ride, delivery and care service designed to help aging adults continue to live independently. Through GoGo's partnership with NYSOFA, 32 county-based offices for the aging across the state are now providing this service at no cost for older adults. The program is one of over 20 public-private partnerships administered by NYSOFA using technology to expand service access, keep older adults engaged, overcome social isolation, support family caregivers, and more. The New York State program — the first of its kind in the country — began in three counties and has since expanded, providing older adults in New York State with rides to grocery stores, medical appointments, dialysis, VA appointments, church, family visits and more. The median trip is 2.76 miles, indicating that most trips are local. The rides are organized and overseen by participating offices for the aging within county governments who are structuring program delivery and eligibility based on identified needs. The service is typically available to residents ages 60 and older who register with their local office for the aging. The cost of the program is supported through the enacted New York State budget, ensuring that services remain free of charge for older adults, based on the availability of limited funding. Several factors are driving the need for on-demand transportation services, including: Older adults are one of the fastest-growing groups in the U.S. By 2030, all Baby Boomers will be 65+. Older Americans are healthier overall — as of 2022, the average 65-year-old was expected to live another 18.9 years. Families are having fewer children, and those children are living farther away from their parents, affecting the availability of unpaid family caregivers to help with day-to-day needs like transportation. GoGo works with local transportation providers to provide services and, importantly, screens drivers ahead of time to make sure their vehicles are accessible and drivers are willing to assist riders as needed (for instance, with walkers or wheelchairs). Drivers can opt out of participating, though seven out of ten opt in. In the Sun's readership area, Clinton County is currently participating in the program. Visit www.clintoncountyny.gov/aging or call the Clinton County Office for the Aging at 518-565-4620 for more information.

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State's GoGoGrandparent transportation for seniors expands

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