The number of elderly people using transport facilities and especially the number of elderly drivers - will increase considerably in the next few decades. Road users are ageing not only in Finland but in the industrialized countries in general. The implications of this great structural change and the way in which it should be taken into account in the transport system are key questions to be answered. Do we have sufficient expertise, for example, to assess the driving ability of elderly drivers? Do those who can no longer drive safely have other options for mobility which will allow them to remain active and enjoy life? Answers were sought to these and other questions at the conference entitled "Driving in an Ageing Society", held on October 21-22, 1999 at the Naantali Spa Hotel, Naantali, Finland. The event was organized by the Central Organization for Traffic Safety in Finland, Liikenneturva, the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Car and Traffic Journalists Association. The aim of the conference was to discuss a wide range of issues concerning elderly drivers and to stimulate debate on the prospects for the future. Conference participants were presented with the latest information and the views of experts. In all, there were 120 participants, mostly professionals working with the elderly in some capacity, such as doctors, police officers, representatives of testing authorities and driving instructors, but also many researchers, planners and journalists with an interest in the subject. (Author/publisher)
Abstract