Transportation in Michigan : older adults and caregivers.

St. Louis, Renée M.; Zanier, Nicole; Molnar, Lisa J.; Eby, David W. · 2011 · ROSA P / University of Michigan. Transportation Research Institute

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Summary

This 2011 report by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute addresses the challenge of maintaining safe mobility for Michigan’s aging population. Motivated by demographic shifts, including the aging of the baby boomer generation and increased longevity, the study aims to support the development of statewide surveys and identify low-cost, high-impact measures for the Michigan Department of Transportation. The core problem is balancing the safety risks associated with age-related health declines against the negative consequences of driving cessation, such as depression and reduced well-being. The report outlines four interdependent goals: managing medical effects on driving skills, developing fitness-to-drive procedures, supporting safe continued driving, and providing community mobility alternatives for those who stop driving. The document is a comprehensive literature review rather than an empirical study with original data collection. It synthesizes existing research on older adult travel patterns, promising approaches to maintaining mobility, Michigan-specific transportation services, and caregiver issues. The review analyzes data from national surveys, such as the National Household Travel Survey, and Michigan-specific reports, including the Michigan Travel Counts. It categorizes promising approaches into five areas: screening and assessment, education and training, exercise and rehabilitation, advanced vehicle technology, and roadway design. The authors evaluate various tools and programs, distinguishing between screening (initial identification of potential issues) and assessment (detailed evaluation for licensing decisions). Key findings regarding travel patterns indicate that older adults take fewer daily trips (averaging 3–4) than younger adults, with trip frequency declining further with age and health issues. Urban older adults travel more frequently than rural counterparts due to better access to public transit. Most trips are short, occurring during non-peak hours (9 AM–4 PM), and are primarily for shopping, social/recreational activities, and personal business, rather than medical purposes. The personal automobile remains the dominant travel mode, accounting for 89% of trips nationally. When older adults cease driving, they rely heavily on family and friends for transportation, which can lead to feelings of dependence. Public transit usage is low but higher among women, minorities, and urban residents. The report highlights several promising screening tools, including self-screening instruments like the Driving Decisions Workbook and the web-based SAFER Driving tool, which help older adults recognize functional declines. It also discusses the roles of family members, police, and physicians in screening and assessment. While physicians have an ethical responsibility to address driving safety, many hesitate due to concerns about patient relationships and the lack of strong links between screening tools and crash risk. The review concludes by emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts among healthcare providers, licensing agencies, and community organizations to support older adults in transitioning from driving to alternative mobility options safely and effectively.

Key finding

The personal automobile is the primary mode of transportation for older adults, with public transit usage remaining minimal, particularly in rural and suburban areas.

Methodology

review

Provenance

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Topics

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• older driver retraining
• older drivers
• mci dementia driving