Study looks at the role of transportation in addressing social isolation in older adults

A U of Minnesota team recently received a grant to study the role of transportation in addressing social isolation, with particular focus on older adults.

“Older adults face unique risks related to social isolation and loneliness, largely because of the many major life transitions that they are more likely to experience,” says Carrie Henning-Smith, an assistant professor at the School of Public Health, the project’s principal investigator.

In many cases, aging includes losing the ability to drive. Engaging in social and civic opportunities, however, often requires traveling outside the home. Such travel can be complicated by health problems that make it difficult to drive and that may require accessible transportation options. “Solutions to address social isolation and loneliness need to include public transportation as a key factor,” Henning-Smith says.