Ten myths about transportation for the elderly

The United States is an aging nation. We are older. In 1988, 12% of the population was 65 or older. Census projections indicate that by the year 2020, the elderly will comprise between 17 and 20% of the population. At that time, it is estimated that there will be 50 million people over 65, and the fastest growing age cohort will be those over 85. As the ''boomers'' age, their sheer numbers and their traditional reliance on the automobile add greater urgency to a problem that has long been a transportation conundrum: How does the transportation community provide mobility and access to those who are unable or no longer want to operate an auto due to their advancing years?