The report is the result of a year long effort to develop a long-range view of possible strategies to accommodate the growth of the population of Americans over the age of 65 who will be transportation providers and consumers in the 21st century. The report considers the possible ways of helping older adults to operate independently and safely, but also emphasises the need for having in place mobility alternatives for those who no longer can drive. Also examined is the issue of older operators of trucks, buses, general aviation airplanes or ships. The report provides over 20 initiatives for consideration that would be integrated into the department's ongoing programs. They include: the need for improved long-range planning for maintaining safe mobility for older adults at individual, community and federal levels; a web site to include the latest transportation developments of interest to older adults; better education of the health care community to the specific needs and problems of older operators; more research to develop countermeasures to compensate for the fragility of older adults; better systems for evaluating older drivers; new technology to support those with functional or cognitive defects so that they can continue to operate vehicles safely; and, a number of special studies which will better enable the department to respond to the needs of older Americans. (Author/publisher)
Abstract