Abstract

Older adults lose their ability to drive for physical both economic reasons. When older adults do lose the ability to drive, many must rely on public transportation to allow them to keep their independence and live a high quality life. This study uses data from a survey of seniors (65 and older) as well as interview responses from representatives of transportation providers, funding agencies, and a Senior Center to examine the transportation needs of seniors. This study uses responses from interviews and surveys to construct common themes between survey and interview responses. Results from this study show that: elders seek to retain their independence through public transportation; transportation agencies lack programs for senior citizens and provide inconvenient services; and that inadequacy of coordination between seniors, transit providers, and funding agencies negatively affects the ability of seniors to access affordable and accessible transportation. The themes that come out of this study provide a basis for making recommendations on how to enhance and better maximize current resources to provide more accessible and useable transportation services to older adults.

Advisor

Frese, Pamela

Department

Sociology and Anthropology

Disciplines

Demography, Population, and Ecology | Other Sociology

Keywords

senior citizens, mobility, unmet needs, independence, inconvenience, increased coordination, ridesharing, transportation policy

Publication Date

2013

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2013 Daniel A. Kellman