Abstract
The purpose of this short paper is to discuss the growing problems of an increasingly older population in western countries, with special reference to transportation and residential location. Evidence is provided which suggests that old peoples' incomes are equal or even higher than those earned by the working population. The ratio of non working to the working population is set to increase dramatically between now and the year 2030. The mobility patterns and weekly distances travelled by people of various ages are presented and discussed. In France, distance travelled for all but business travel is slightly higher for people who are pensioned in comparison to that for those in work.