10 MYTHS ABOUT TRANSPORTATION FOR THE ELDERLY

The United States is an aging nation. We are older. In 1988, 12% of th e population was 65 or older. Census projections indicate that by the year 2020, the elderly will comprise between 17 and 20% of the populat ion. At that time, it is estimated that there will be 50 million peopl e over 65, and the fastest growing age cohort will be those over 85. A s the ''boomers'' age, their sheer numbers and their traditional relia nce on the automobile add greater urgency to a problem that has long b een 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?