Survey Shows Boomers Are Unlikely to Stop Driving

A survey conducted by the AARP reveals that many older Americans don’t believe they’ll ever have to stop driving, according to an article by Lloyd Alter.

The survey finds that adults 50-plus expect to make changes as they age, including bathroom changes and even anticipate the need for ramps and chair lifts. But there is no mention anywhere of the most significant and dramatic change in people’s lives as they age: the ability to drive.

Studies have found that older drivers can expect roughly seven to 11 years of life after driving becomes difficult or impossible. “That might mean 11 years of failing health in a single-family house in the suburbs, without a car, without family nearby, and without being in a walkable neighborhood.” And a 2020 study found a preference for personal vehicles even when public transit is available. “As a result, driving is synonymous with personal transportation mobility, and driving cessation is associated with loss of independence combined with becoming a burden to family and friends,” that study noted.

The AARP survey includes recommendations for how communities can better accommodate older residents and provide alternatives to driving. For Alter, “We need accessible housing, and walkable communities with good sidewalks, corner stores, medical facilities and coffee shops within a reasonable distance. We need good safe accessible transit for when we have to go further. We all must prepare for a non-driving future.”