The Takeaway: Life Expectancy; Public Transportation

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Older people face public transportation crisis. For members of a generation who built a staunch reputation for active living and independence, the day one has to stop driving is hard. Many continue to drive into their 80s, but whether it's declining health or poor eyesight, the inevitable moment always comes. Which makes public transportation so vital and is why communities need to do better, a new study shows.  " ... more than 15.5 million seniors, aged 65 to 79, will have poor or nonexistent access to public transportation by 2015." Atlanta ranks the worst among large (more than 3 million people) metro areas. Also: Guides to getting around without getting behind the wheel of a car.

.. Boomers take active role as grandparents. "Just as they reinvented the teen years and the midlife crisis, the nation's 70 million baby boomers, are reinventing grandparenthood." ... And if they're not available just Rent-a-Grandma. Busy parents take heed: If nana is too busy to babysit or help around the house, you can rent one.  Company officials say it's a win-win: Parents get the help; children get the benefit of a nurturing relationship with an older person; and the "grannies" (all over 50) get a viable job in a tough economy.

... FDA issues new sunscreen rules. Candy Sagon tells you how to enjoy the sun without getting burned.

... Unhealthy in the countryside?  More than half a million people over 65 who live California's rural areas are more likely to be overweight and have the highest rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. ... A Boomer's guide to superheroes. You're never too old to enjoy a good action flick.

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