Title

Aging, towards a transport policy response

Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

2006

Subject Area

Mobility - Independence, Mobility - Mobility planning, Modes of Transport - Car - Driving, Population - Aged, Population - Driving cessation, Population - Retired drivers, Population - Seniors

Abstract

The question of how best to support older people who are giving up driving will increasingly demand the attention of policy makers and transport service providers alike in the years to come. The combined effects of people living longer, lower birth rates and the changing status of women, particularly in regard to driving, means that there will be many more older drivers on our roads in the future. A significant number are likely to reach a point when they consciously limit the amount of driving they do, or cease driving altogether. Given that car travel is the most favoured form of travel for older people, relinquising driving will require major adjustment. It will fall to government to lead in anticipating and planning to reduce the consequences of people being unable to drive. Most of the literature surrounding transport and ageing, focussess on driving cessation and transport disadvantage. There is relatively little research on intervention that might prove useful in the period leading up to to and during the cessation of driving. In making the transition from driving to non-driving, older people need a combination of awareness about options, detailed information and a supportive community environment.