How important is public transit for aging in place?

As the preference to age in place continues to dominate among those planning out their later lives, people actually living with the preference may find they need to make adjustments to certain parts of their routines to accommodate costs, access services and maintain social relationships.

One key tool that might be able to assist with all three things for those seeking to age in place is the use of public transit systems, according to the results of a recent study commissioned by the government of Canada.

“While many older adults may choose to continue driving, public transportation, when available, offers a low-cost and flexible alternative that allows them to keep an active lifestyle and maintain social connections,” the study explained.

Public transportation can potentially check a lot of boxes for older people seeking a robust and cost-effective way of getting around, according to Merrina Zhang, senior research engineer at the National Research Council Canada‘s Automotive and Surface Transportation Research Centre.

Public transit, Zhang explained, “offers more than just a means of travel. It’s also an environmentally friendly way of getting around that fosters autonomy and contributes to people’s quality of life.”

While the study was largely focused on Canada, many of the same principles apply to the U.S. — particularly in urban areas with more well-developed public transit systems. Some larger cities in the U.S., including Seattle, are more fully embracing public transit.

As the global population continues to age, the report suggests that investments in public transit is one way to make a notable difference in accommodating the needs of older residents.

“Without access to affordable, convenient and reliable transportation, many older adults face challenges trying to get to appointments or participate in recreational or social activities — all factors that increase the likelihood of them needing to move to a retirement community or long-term care facility sooner,” the study stated.

This has played out across the U.S., particularly in more rural areas that do not have well-developed public transit systems beyond access to buses. But this could be improving.

“Rural residents have limited transportation options; only 36% have the choice between airline, rail, and bus transportation services,” according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). “However, the demand for regionally focused, connected, and accessible public transit solutions is rising.”