Elderly Mobility and Safety — The Michigan Approach

Recognizing the need to plan now for expected changes in Michigan’s population, the Michigan State Safety Commission requested that SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, conduct an elderly mobility and safety assessment and develop a statewide plan of action designed to guide state policy. In February 1998, SEMCOG, with funding from the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, convened a statewide, interdisciplinary Elderly Mobility & Safety Task Force. In the course of studying the underlying issues, the Task Force came to realize mobility and safety issues affect our entire society, not just the elderly. By striving to meet the needs of the elderly, therefore, we improve quality of life for everyone. In keeping with that philosophy, the Task Force has developed a Final Plan of Action for consideration by the Michigan State Safety Commission.