ElderWeb

PRESS RELEASE Washington, DC '“ Eleven local agencies were awarded grants today to expand older driver safety efforts in their communities. The grants were awarded by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) with funding support from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

By the year 2030, the number of older Americans will reach more than 70 million, and one of every four drivers on the road will be age 65 years or older. Although older drivers are generally safe drivers, a variety of age-related physical, cognitive, and sensory changes may affect the ability to drive safely. Considering the overall aging of the population and the coinciding increase in the number of licensed older drivers, communities need to prepare for the current and future mobility needs of the growing ranks of older residents. The nation'™s 655 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and 240 Title VI Native American aging programs are uniquely positioned to provide information and training on driver safety to older adults and their caregivers. Established under the federal Older Americans Act as the "single point of information" about aging issues and services in communities nationwide, AAAs and Title VI agencies are in a powerful position to promote older driver safety awareness, education, and practices at the community level.

Grantees are planning a variety of exciting initiatives to promote older driver safety and enhance senior mobility in their communities. Working in rural, suburban, and urban settings, and collaborating with a host of community partners, these agencies have developed effective and innovative plans targeted to local needs. Some of the planned activities include developing peer education/training programs; legislator and physician education; client follow-up and program evaluation; driver strength and flexibility training; and enhancing transportation options.

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The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) is the umbrella organization for our nation's 655 area agencies on aging (AAAs) and the representative body in Washington, D.C, for the interests of 240 Title VI-Native American aging programs.

For more information about n4a, visit www.n4a.org

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a)
1730 Rhode Island Avenue, NW
Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 872-0888
Fax:(202) 872-0057

CONTACT: Lisa Tucker, n4a
December 14, 2004 202-872-0888