This report documents the Miami-Dade County Aging in Place Workshop and highlights the kinds of problems and possible solutions that are relevant to transportation planning for seniors everywhere. Click here to download the report.

It also weaves in a discussion of some of the innovative ideas and practices that have offered enhanced mobility for seniors in other cities, suburbs, towns and rural areas. These ideas and practices can be useful for policymakers, planners and community leaders trying to solve mobility problems in their own areas.

Communities that provide a range of transportation options that serve all residents, from the very young to the very old, meet the livability test. Livable communities offer the transportation choices that make it possible for people of all ages to participate in the life of their communities. The optimum range of mobility options can connect those who cannot or do not drive or have mobility limitations to so much that is important in life, from friends and family to stores, hospitals, houses of worship, theaters and much more.

Advocates for the aging in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties have been grappling with mobility issues far sooner than many of their counterparts around the country. With a percentage of older adults that exceeds that of every other state in the union, Florida and the two counties are in a position to lead the way. No doubt communities around country can learn a great deal from the experiences of Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties in developing mobility options for their older residents.

Key Findings:

• Programs that assist seniors to prolong their ability to drive safely make a very important contribution to their continued mobility and independence.
• Transportation and land use planners must provide greater support to alternatives to driving, such as public transit and walkable streets.
• Public transportation and human services transportation providers should offer enhanced service designed to meet the needs of seniors and educate them about using public and human services transportation.
• Seniors have an increasing need, which is not being met, for door-through-door, escorted mobility services.
• Volunteer drivers can be an important solution for some of the gaps in providing mobility options for older adults.
• Mixed-use, walkable communities, with convenient access to stores, restaurants, entertainment and public transit, can satisfy many of the requirements of older adults for convenient mobility options.