Growing Old in a Car-Centric World

Maintaining mobility for older drivers is a huge challenge that will only get worse as the baby boom generation ages. This article describes the scope of the problem and some possible solutions. Elderly people in rural or suburban areas are particularly challenged when driving is no longer a safe option, since many options such as walking or public transit are not practical for them. The federal government is trying to address this problem through the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users. This law contains provisions that make it easier for local transportation providers to share resources and that require communities receiving Federal Transit Administration funds from several federal programs to create a locally developed coordinated human services plan. The goal of coordination planning is to enhance access, minimize duplication of services and facilitate the most appropriate cost-effective transportation possible for elderly and disabled citizens.