Citation

Turner JJ, Adams-Price CE, Strawderman L. J. Gerontol. Soc. Work 2017; 60(8): 619-646.

Affiliation

Mississippi State University.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/01634372.2017.1375590

PMID

28929943

Abstract

Although older adults are typically able to drive well into older adulthood, health and cognitive deficits can eventually make older motorists a danger to themselves and others. There is a need for increased senior-focused transportation options, yet implementation of such programs is problematic due to an uncertainty about which groups are in most need of services. This study measured the perceived need for formal alternative modes of transportation among older adults. Using data from a nationwide survey, this study applies the traditional factors of the Behavioral Model to measure the perceived need for formal transportation services among survey participants, while also examining the relationship between service awareness and perceived need for formal transportation services. Survey participants who still drove on a regular basis were compared to survey participants who could no longer drive. Race/ethnicity and self-reported health were significant predictors of perceived need for formal 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 perceived need for senior-focused transportation services in the hopes of more effectively planning such programs.

Language: en

Keywords

Older adults; behavioral model; perceived need; transportation