Issues with Lack of Transportation Supports for Suburban Dwelling Older Adults: A Modern Conundrum

Abstract

Although there is increased life expectancy among baby boomers, many experience physical illness and debilitating issues that may decrease their mobility. These issues often result in them not being able to drive safely and may require them to explore additional transportation supports. Many older adults in Massachusetts live in suburban communities. Little is known about the impact of lack of transportation supports in the suburbs on older adults. The purpose of this research study was to determine whether there was declined activity, emotional and financial effects, on suburban-dwelling older adults who did not have access to adequate transportation supports. Adults 65 years and older (N=57), were recruited from senior canters (N=2), in suburban communities that do not have adequate access to much public transportation, through convenience sampling (word of mouth). Responses from the surveys revealed that most people still owned and operated their own cars. Those who didn’t drive used town-owned senior transportation. In conclusion, the majority of people senior centers in suburban areas had access to transportation to some extent but thought that access was limited, and additional affordable transportation options would be beneficial.