Westchester County seniors named transportation as their number one priority, both today and in the future, according to a county survey conducted by the Westchester Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS).

Income security was found to be the second greatest need, followed by affordable housing.

DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter said that the survey highlights gaps in services and unmet needs in the county. “These gaps can have a domino effect,” she said. “If you can’t get around, you might miss a doctor’s appointment or might not be able to pick up your medicine or buy food. These surveys help us to see where to put our shrinking dollars to have the greatest impact.”

According to Carpenter, transportation topped the lists of many of the elderly—particularly women—because many can no longer drive. “Their mobility is restricted,” Carpenter said. “Also, a lot of older people might have impairments which make it difficult to drive, especially at night. People don’t want to be isolated, and mobility is so important to have a good quality of life.”

The New York State Office for the Aging will use the 700-person survey to set policies and priorities for the period between 2012 and 2016.