As people live longer, the issue of mobility becomes critical. By 2030, there will be about 70 million older persons, more than twice their number in 1997. While older adults continue to rely on their automobiles for transportation, their driving skills may decline with age or deteriorating health.
Some older people are aware of changing abilities and adapt their driving practices accordingly.
Others need to renew their driving skills or need additional encouragement to stop driving. With longevity, people may outlive their ability to drive a car. These older adults will require alternative transportation services. Non-drivers may need to become familiar with the public transportation system, if it exists in their community, or they may need specialized transportation services. That same year, the national aging network provided older people with more than 46.5 million rides to such places as the doctor, the grocery store and adult day centers.