"I love public transport, but now I'm too afraid to use it": A qualitative study of public transport use cessation among older adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Transportation Studies
• Public Health

Background:

• Mobility is crucial for aging well and is a key health determinant for older adults.
• Age-related mobility decline is well-documented, but the impact of ceasing non-driving transport modes, like public transport, is under-researched.
• This study explores the cessation of public transport use in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the process of older adults ceasing public transport use.
• To identify the causes and consequences of public transport cessation on health and mobility.
• To understand the role of public transport in maintaining independence in later life.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing semi-structured in-depth interviews.
• 23 older adults (aged 67-88) in Israel, experiencing various stages of public transport cessation, were interviewed.
• Interview transcripts were analyzed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Public transport cessation follows a semi-linear process, often initiated by mobility declines impacting service use.
• Coping strategies may temporarily sustain public transport use but are ultimately insufficient.
• Cessation leads to further mobility reduction and diminished independence.

Conclusions:

• Cessation of public transport use significantly contributes to age-related mobility decline in older adults.
• This cessation can result in a complete loss of independence and accelerate health deterioration.
• Future research should quantify these effects and explore interventions to prolong independence in aging populations.