A study from the United Kingdom suggests that increasing the accessibility and affordability of public transportation may significantly benefit social engagement and mental health among older adults.
The study involved implementing a free bus pass program for a random sample of 18,453 adults aged 50 and above, as Reuters summarized. The results indicated an 8% increase in public transport ridership among those newly eligible for free travel.
Moreover, individuals who started using bus transport more frequently after gaining eligibility for a free pass experienced a 12% reduction in depression symptoms. These symptoms encompassed a range of issues such as not enjoying life, insomnia, unhappiness, loneliness, sadness, lack of motivation, and perceiving everything as an effort, per Reuters.
Have more mobility news that we should be reading and sharing? Let us know! Reach out to Sage Kashner (kashner@ctaa.org).
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