Check out Harriet Edelson’s interesting article about what transportation we should plan to use as we age and seek to retire. The article focuses on retirees who may have to give up the use of their car either for economic reasons or because they’re no longer fit to drive. Ms. Edelson reports that, although transportation is an essential consideration, it’s often forgotten when deciding where to live.

For instance, living in New York City and other metropolitan areas can make traveling by car less of a concern.  When you have subways and a constant stream of cabs and buses at your disposal, a car can not only be superfluous,  but even a costly liability.

But what about those of us who want to retire  to or remain in locations where driving is a definite need? Ms. Edelson reports that, according to a 2014 AARP study, by age 65 and older, 85 percent of people want to remain in their current communities as they age. What if  we presently live in an area where we really need a car to get to perhaps growing doctor’s appointments and various events?

Ms. Edelson discusses some guidelines from experts including:

1. Analyze your current location to figure out if you need a car to travel  and if there are alternate means of transportation.

2. Consider becoming a volunteer driver through an Independent Transportation Network affiliate.  By driving others now, you can build up credit later if you can no longer drive.

Click here to read the whole story.