“Giving up the keys” is a difficult life event for many older adults, making safe and accessible transportation options a top concern for seniors, caregivers and the community where they live. As public transit becomes an increasing need for the growing aging population in the United States, a recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society took a look at the characteristics of older adults who use public transportation and those who do not.
More than 3 million older adults in the United States reported recently using public transportation, with more than 600,000 relying on the services to see their regular doctor.
Who are these public transit users? They are more likely to:
- Be younger.
- Identify as Black or Hispanic.
- Be experiencing financial constraints.
People who are frail and living in an area with cracked or broken sidewalks are less likely to use public transit.
Researchers used a cross-sectional analysis of data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, identifying more than 5,000 older adults living in urban areas. They calculated national estimates of those who reported using public transportation over the last month and those who used transit for regular doctor visits. They also factored in age, gender, and economic and clinical characteristics.
Accessible transportation services are critical for the estimated 90% of older adults who choose to age in place in their homes and communities. Beyond typical public transit options such as buses, other solutions may include:
- Dial-a-ride, which offers curb-to-curb service at an agreed-upon time.
- Volunteer transportation programs.
- Assisted transportation (called “door-to-door” or “door-through-door”) for older adults who need assistance from the door to the car or an “escort” to stay with them throughout the trip.
