Older Adults

Epidemiology of public transportation use among older adults in the United States (Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 2022). Attending healthcare appointments and participating in social activities are important for older adults, but these activities are often limited by transportation barriers. Public transportation may bridge these gaps, but little is known about older public transportation users. This study compares the characteristics of older adults who use public transportation to those who do not.

Community & Public Partnership: Trip Subsidy Program in San Francisco Helps Older Adults and People with Disabilities Maintain Health and Connections (June 2022) NCMM partnered with Community Living Campaign, a San Francisco nonprofit, to share their work with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) to reduce social isolation among older adults and people with disabilities through transportation subsidies, leading to improved physical and mental health outcomes for this population. This report showcases the fully subsidized taxi rides program that the Community Living Campaign implemented in San Francisco. Download the PDF

The Role of Transportation in Addressing Social Isolation in Older Adults (National Center for Mobility Management 2020). NCMM investigated the hypothesis that a lack of transportation can be shown to be associated with incidences of social isolation among older adults; specifically, that a lack of mobility directly affects patterns of social engagement by dictating people's access to resources, amenities, and socializing opportunities. A second part of that premise is that an improvement in older adults’ access to transportation services that fit their needs—with regard to affordability, convenience, and safety—will meaningfully increase their access to life-sustaining activities. The research focused on this question: How can public transportation be used as a preventive intervention tool to address the potentially harmful effects of social isolation among older adults?

Mobility Management: Introduction, Implementation, Community Service and Seniors (National Center for Mobility Management, 2017). Developed by NCMM and the Corporation for National and Community Service, serves as a guide to building successful mobility services for older adults.

Creating Transportation Options by Linking Volunteer Service to Mobility Management (webinar) (NCMM and Corporation for National and Community Service 2016). Discusses how to build the capacity of your community volunteers around mobility management to create reliable and safe transportation solutions for older adults and people with disabilities.

Section 5310 Circular. Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities: Program Guidance and Application Instructions (Federal Transit Administration, 2014). Also view the Section 5310 Fact Sheet with FAST Act changes (2016).

Related Websites

AARP Public Policy Institute. Researches and reports on issues facing older adults. The institute promotes the development of sound, creative policies to address our common need for economic security, health care, and quality of life.

ElderCare Locator. A national database, searchable by zip code, to help older adults and their families locate providers of needed services, including transportation. A public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging.

MassMobility, Active transportation for older adults and people with disabilities. Features programs and research supporting older adults and people with disabilities in walking and cycling.

National Aging and Disability Transportation Center. Promotes the availability and accessibility of transportation options for older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, and communities.

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