Transportation needs of the elderly population

Abstract

All evidence suggests that the elderly population of today and tomorrow will continue to depend on the private car to give them freedom, independence, and choice--as do younger travellers. Given the demographic changes in the United States, it seems very unlikely that other modes or options can provide anywhere near the level of mobility that the elderly want or need. Almost three fourths of those over age 65 will live in suburban or rural places after the turn of the century, places where transit and para-transit options are inherently impractical or costly. These elderly individuals will have made choices about doctors, hospitals, friends, and social and recreational options based on their lifelong access to the car. When they can no longer drive or receive rides, their mobility will drop and they may have to make drastic changes in their whole life network to be able to access just a few necessary services. Those concerned with the use of medical services by the elderly population must focus not only on transportation but on the other variables that create the need for a car. Transportation needs are clearly linked to where and how medical and social services are made available, so medical agencies must recognize the changing demographics of the elderly population by locating and programming their services accordingly. Medical and human service agencies will have to make an effort to make their programs accessible to the elderly population rather than simply locating their facilities where they please and assuming that elderly persons or transportation planners will somehow deal with the resulting loss of mobility.