Mobility, or 'getting around', is vital to the health, independence, and well being of all Americans. As the Baby Boomer population ages, there will be an ever-growing number of individuals who are no longer willing or able to drive. In the best interests of their older populations, communities are seeking strategies to assist their aging residents to remain mobile as they transition from driving. Following the 2003 Santa Monica tragedy, in which an elderly man crashed into a crowded farmers’ market, public attention focused on the relationship between driving and aging more than ever before. This project, conducted by Center for Health Aging (CHA), is a pilot program designed to help older residents in eight sites in Southern California with the transition from driving. Titled, Getting Around: Alternatives for seniors who no longer drive, it consisted of a transportation support and information network and a public education campaign. Focusing on counseling and mobility planning, it was designed to address the needs of seniors who could no longer drive, rather than those who could still prolong their safe driving years. The two primary goals were to: 1) Develop a transportation support and information network: • Build community capacity through an Advisory Board; • Involve relevant organizations to establish strong relationships; • Train volunteers to counsel older drivers about transportation options. 2) Launch a multi-media public education campaign: • Develop a video for broadcast on public television; • Design a project Web site. In order to provide a guide for others wishing to replicate this model in their communities, this report summarizes the activities and outcomes of the project. (Author/publisher)
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