ABSTRACT
Older adults who are no longer able or choose not to drive must still be able to meet their transportation needs to retain their community mobility and hence their quality of life. It has been estimated that once individuals stop driving, most will be dependent on other community mobility options for several years-for men, about 6 years and for women, about 10 years (Foley et al., 2002). Unfortunately, few plan for the time when they will no longer be driving (Bailey, 2004; Kostyniuk & Shope, 2003). When the time comes, they often rely on friends and family to drive them, given their strong preference in the United States for the personal automobile (Kostyniuk & Shope, 1998). However, the availability and willingness of family and friends to provide rides have become increasingly constrained by trends toward smaller family size, higher divorce rates, and more women in the workplace (Federal Highway Administration, 1997). In addition, many older adults are reluctant to ask for rides, preferring to stay at home unless absolutely necessary (Freund, 1996).
