No car? No problem
Regarding “What’s the right age for older adults to stop driving? The answer is complicated” (Aging & Longevity, SFChronicle.com, Aug. 9): While discussing adaptiations that some seniors can make to allow them to drive at an older age is helpful, the reporting was to negative on the downsides of giving up driving and missed a big benefit of not having a car: Cost savings.
AAA calculates the average cost of car ownership—including depreciation, maintenance, insurance and fuel — at nearly $1,000 per month. For drivers of gas-powered cars, giving it up also helps the environment.
While it is true that public transit is not efficient in some suburban areas, ride-hailing services are another option. And most types of consumer goods purchases can be delivered.
Seniors who live in communities with poor access to transit, shops, parks and other important amenities could consider moving to more efficient locations. Not owning a car may make such a move more financially feasible.
– Gary Farber, Walnut Creek, 350 Bay Area Action
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