Formal Alternative Transportation Options for Older Adults: An Assessment of Need

ABSTRACT

This study measured the need for formal alternative modes of transportation among older adults by applying traditional factors of the Behavioral Model. Survey participants who regularly drove were compared to those who could no longer drive. Race/ethnicity and self-reported health were significant predictors of perceived need for transportation services for both groups. However, income and service awareness were significant predictors only for drivers, while family proximity was a significant predictor only for non-drivers. Results suggest the importance of gaining a better understanding of the factors associated with need for senior-focused transportation services to more effectively plan such programs.

KEYWORDS:

• Older adults
• transportation
• perceived need
• behavioral model

Notes

¹ The Cronbach’s coefficient alpha for this four-item index (α = .750), indicated high inter-correlation and adequate internal reliability for further testing.

² All variables scaled 1–5 (with 5 the highest score). Higher score indicated higher likelihood of use/higher level of need.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joshua J. Turner

Joshua J. Turner is a research associate at the National Strategic Planning and Analysis Research Center at Mississippi State University. [email protected]

Carolyn E. Adams-Price

Carolyn Adams-Price is an associate professor of psychology at Mississippi State University, with a specialty in gerontology, and a fellow with the National Strategic Planning and Analysis Research Center at Mississippi State University.

Lesley Strawderman

Lesley Strawderman is an associate professor in the Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering at Mississippi State University.