Recorded presentation

Jane C. Stutts, PhD, Highway Safety Research Center, University of North Carolina, 730 Airport Road, Campus Box 3430, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, 919-962-8717, jane_stutts@unc.edu

Dr. Patricia Waller viewed transportation as an integral part of the fabric of our society and a necessary component of those programs and services designed to meet societal needs. For older adults facing the prospect of having to surrender their driver’s license, access to alternative means of transport empowers them to continue being productive, contributing members of society. Today, “lifelong safe mobility” is a theme that echos through many transportation agendas at both national and state levels. While a strong supporter of this goal, Dr. Waller recognized that providing safe mobility for a growing elderly population will place heavy demands on scarce resources. She advocated for thoughtful balancing of resource distribution for overall societal good, with an emphasis on developing mobility solutions with broad societal benefits. This presentation will provide an overview of how older adults are currently meeting their transportation needs, based on recent national survey data. It will discuss the significance of driving for the elderly, and efforts underway to assist older adults in continuing to drive as long as they can do so safely. Finally, it will present the results of recent research examining alternative transportation programs for older adults, and will highlight “best practices” at the state and local levels. The case study examples selected for presentation will reflect Dr. Waller’s comprehensive public health approach to addressing transportation safety issues, and her belief that the best solutions are those that enhance the welfare of not only older persons but society in general.

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