60 Plus Ride publishes rural aging-in-place playbook

GREELEY — Weld County nonprofit 60 Plus Ride has published a book aimed at helping rural communities address transportation and other challenges that can make it difficult for older residents to remain in their homes.

“The Mobility Matters Solution: A Community-Driven Playbook for Aging in Place for Rural Communities — Starting in Weld County, Colorado” draws on more than 20 years of the organization’s work providing transportation to older adults in Weld County.

60 Plus Ride provides rides for medical appointments, grocery shopping, pharmacy trips and other needs. The organization said it provided a record 84,422 miles of rides last year.

The new book grew out of 60 Plus Ride’s Mobility Matters Study and Ten City Tour, which examined  transportation challenges, community resources, healthcare connections, and opportunities for locally driven responses throughout Weld County.

“America is aging, and the need is at crisis level,” Executive Director Elnauz Buck said in a written statement. “Every community will need to find its own answers. Now, no community has to start from scratch.”

The book outlines ways that communities can identify older adults who may lack access to transportation and other services, assess gaps in existing programs, and develop responses on local needs and resources.

It also discusses ways to involve older adults, caregivers, healthcare professionals, volunteers, libraries, senior centers, local governments, healthcare organizations and nonprofits to help residents remain independent as they age.

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