Title

The mobility needs of older Americans: Implications for transportation reauthorization

Document Type

Research Paper

Publication Date

2003

Subject Area

Population - Aged

Abstract

This paper makes recommendations for public policy. It states that public policy discussions assume that elderly people need government assistance or they require little governmental attention. Older Americans, however, lead complicated lives. They drive but still face mobility barriers, or have physical or medical problems but still seek an active community life. The elderly are a significant and growing component of many transportation issues including metropolitan decentralization, air pollution, environmental degradation, and congestion. This paper suggests that the elderly’s mobility needs create societal problems to which they contribute, and that policymakers must respond with refocussed and redirected public policies. [Country: USA]