Getting where we want to go, when we want to go there is a privilege many Americans take for granted. Mobility enables us to access goods and services in our communities and to work, volunteer, and seek spiritual guidance. Mobility affects our daily lives and the quality of our lives greatly. Our major mode of community mobility is riding in personal occupancy vehicles, either as a driver or a passenger. By 2023, Herbel, Rosenbloom, Stutts, and Welch (2005) estimate that at least 96% of all men and 84% of all women aged 85 and older will be (or will have been) licensed to drive. Given current projections, however, most adults will outlive their safe driving abilities by 7–10 years (Foley, Heimovitz, Guralnik, & Brock, 2002). This presents a challenge because many older persons today live in suburban and rural communities that are not adequately served by public transit. (Author/publisher)
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