This solution-focused volume fills a gap in the literature by addressing the key issues around mobility and transportation for the aging Baby Boomer generation--issues that will be significantly different than those of previous generations of older adults. This new generation, many of whom will continue to work past the traditional retirement age and expect to pursue an active lifestyle, may have to confront new transportation technology, the need to use public transportation, and ways to continue driving safely as their eyesight fades and reaction time slows down. This volume examines many of the issues faced by policymakers, transportation officials, vehicle manufacturers, health and human services professionals, and aging adults themselves as the largest generation prepares to enter late adulthood.
The volume's editors are both at the MIT AgeLab, whose multi-disciplinary team designs, develops and deploys innovations to enhance quality of life for aging populations. Through the contributions of a diverse group of theorists and practitioners, including recommendations from the National Older Driver Safety Advisory Council, a collaboration between AARP's Driver Safety Program and the MIT AgeLab, the book discusses several key topics pertinent to Aging America and transportation. Among them are the changing demographics of the population, how this generation's lifestyle choices affect mobility, technology trends in private vehicles, changes in the infrastructure and transportation system, the "new" older driver, and issues of safety and education among older drivers. This book also explores practical solutions and strategies, such as new transportation options and innovations that will significantly impact the future of mobility for older adults, for keeping these seniors active and mobile well into their later years.
Joseph F. Coughlin is the founder and director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology AgeLab, a multidisciplinary research program created to understand the behaviors of the 50+ population, the role of technology and design in their lives, and the opportunity for innovation to improve the quality of life for older adults and their families. Coughlin studies emerging consumer behaviors and lifestyle trends across the generations that are shaping the future of business and society. He teaches at MIT, and was named by the Wall Street Journal as “one of the twelve people shaping retirement,” and was recognized by Fast Company as “one of the 100 most creative in business.” He is a member of the Board of Directors of AARP and speaks with and advises major corporations, non-profits and governments worldwide.
Dr. Lisa D’Ambrosio is working on research with Dr. Joe Coughlin on the social aspects of aging. The questions focus what an aging population will need to enhance and improve the quality of life, and to enable elders to live independently longer. The focus is on not what products and services will be technologically feasible over the coming decades, but rather what will be socially and personally acceptable to this population, with its changing demands for transportation, need for re-design of physical spaces (including the home and workplace), and power in the consumer and employment markets. Dr. Coughlin and Dr. D’Ambrosio are in the process of designing a Delphi study to explore some of these questions.