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?