Urban, Suburban and Rural Areas

While people of all ages are driving more, older drivers today, especially those living in the suburbs, drive much more than those of the same age did 10 or 20 years ago. The increase in driving in urban, suburban, and rural areas reflects an aging population that is very comfortable with and reliant on their cars. It also reflects economic changes that allow most Americans to afford the cost and upkeep of cars. Where people choose to live is also changing - the suburbs attract many who could not afford a home in an urban area.

Here's a comparison of the driving patterns in urban, surburban and rural areas:

• Urban areas
  City-dwelling elders also drove more over this period, but at half the rate of their suburban counterparts.⁷⁵ Elders in the city have more transportation options, such as walking or taking the bus or subway. However, some of these options may still not meet their needs. For example, living in high crime areas may prevent older people from walking or waiting for public transportation.
   

• Suburban areas
  In 1990, older men living in the suburbs drove 30 percent more miles annually than a comparable group in 1983. Older women in the suburbs dramatically increased their driving by 74 percent over the same period. Alternative transportation systems are poor in most suburban areas. Driver-safety education and driver retraining may be the most feasible options for keeping elders mobile in these communities.
   

• Rural areas
  Older adults in rural areas generally rely on driving for all transportation. Aging, health and social service providers in rural areas face special challenges in providing transportation for older drivers who have invalid licenses. Many continue to drive because of convenience and the lack of other transportation options.

⁷⁵ Rosenbloom (1997) "Trends in women's travel patterns,"p. 28.