The number of older Americans will increase dramatically over the next few decades as baby boomers age and better health care and prevention continue to increase longevity. By 2029, there will be about 70 million citizens over the age of 65, almost double the current population. Many might find it increasingly difficult to drive as they get older; therefore, it is important to have other means of transportation available to this growing number of aging Americans. To address these transportation needs, many state and federal agencies have begun to implement policies and protocols to improve transportation opportunities for older people and to educate them about existing transit options.

The travel behavior of immigrants and other diverse racial/ethnic groups may be different than those of residents born in the United States.  Significant changes in California’s demographics over the last ten years and the influx of foreign-born Californians make it critical to look more closely at their travel patterns to investigate any special transportation needs they may have and how to meet these needs.  This research will be valuable to transportation planners by providing them with demographic-specific information to assist them in more efficiently distributing limited transportation resources.

Researchers at IMR have conducted two studies on safe auto and transit use for older travelers at the Rossmoor Retirement Center in Walnut Creek, California. Rossmoor is approximately two miles from downtown Walnut Creek and two and a half miles from the BART station. The complementary focus of each study (i.e., driving vs. transit use) led to synergistic insights that benefited both studies. The number of senior communities is on the rise in California and residents in these types of communities may have distinct travel patterns and needs.

Many older people have special travel needs which can limit their mobility. Some feel less comfortable behind the wheel or traveling alone, and some are forced to give up their driver’s licenses because of age-related disabilities. 

By 2010, the 65-74 age group will dramatically increase as the first baby boomers turn 65.  This rapid growth in the older population makes it critical to address the special needs of older travelers -- to prevent them from becoming isolated because of a lack of transportation options, and to prevent traffic accidents that might occur because of a decline in their driving abilities. Transportation options including public transit must be made available to older people.  And because this aging sector of society may be unfamiliar with transit, many people might need help learning about and transitioning to transit and other alternatives.