Recommendations for meeting the transportation needs of Michigan’s aging population.

Eby, David W.; Molnar, Lisa J.; Kostyniuk, Lidia P.; St. Louis, Renée M.; Zanier, Nicole · 2011 · ROSA P / Michigan. Department of Transportation

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Summary

This report addresses the growing transportation needs of Michigan’s aging population, motivated by demographic projections indicating that adults aged 65 and older will comprise 20% of the state’s population by 2030. As age-related declines in perceptual, cognitive, and psychomotor skills increase crash risks and limit driving ability, the study aims to help the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) identify low-cost, high-impact measures to maintain safe mobility for older adults. The research focuses on extending safe driving periods while ensuring alternative mobility options for those who cease driving. The methodology comprised three primary components: a literature review of older adult travel patterns and best practices; a demographic analysis of Michigan-specific data including population projections, driver licensing, travel surveys, and crash records; and statewide surveys of 300 older adults (aged 70+) and 300 family caregivers. These surveys assessed travel habits, residency patterns, health status, and gaps in transportation services. Key findings from the demographic analysis revealed that by 2030, approximately 1.5 million Michigan adults will be aged 70 or older. Currently, 80% of this group are licensed drivers, though 12% lack access to a car. Crash data indicated that 575 adults aged 70+ are killed or severely injured annually. Survey results showed that 92% of older adult respondents were licensed, with 70% driving regularly. Among non-drivers, health issues were the primary reason for cessation. Caregivers, predominantly women averaging 60 years of age, provided transportation assistance to recipients averaging 84 years old; over 90% of caregivers gave rides, primarily for medical, shopping, or personal needs. Older adults reported high satisfaction with their mobility but low usage of public transit, senior vans, and volunteer driver programs, often citing lack of need or awareness as barriers. The report concludes with recommendations for MDOT to adopt a multidisciplinary approach. Suggestions include implementing older-adult-friendly roadway designs, such as roundabouts with tailored educational components, and supporting vehicle design guidelines. The authors recommend enhancing community mobility through improved pedestrian infrastructure to transit stations, low-floor vehicles, and expanded voucher programs. Additionally, the report emphasizes the need for better marketing of existing services, travel training for both older adults and caregivers, and sustained research into the factors enabling caregivers to provide long-term transportation assistance.

Key finding

Caregivers provided transportation assistance to more than 90% of care recipients, while only about one-third of older adult survey respondents regularly used public transportation.

Methodology

mixed_methods

Sample size: 600

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• older drivers
• older driver retraining