Assessing Alternative Transportation Options for Older User

D'Ambrosio, Lisa · 2016 · ROSA P / New England University Transportation Center

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Summary

This study addresses the transportation challenges faced by the "oldest old" demographic (ages 85 and older), a rapidly growing segment of the US population that has been largely overlooked in previous research. While existing literature heavily focuses on driving self-regulation among younger older adults (ages 65–84), this research investigates how the oldest old perceive their mobility options, including personal vehicles and alternative transit. The motivation stems from the recognition that driving is central to identity and autonomy for many seniors, yet physical frailty and safety concerns often necessitate a shift in transportation modes for those aged 85 and above. The methodology employed a qualitative approach using the MIT AgeLab’s 85+ Lifestyle Leaders Panel, consisting of residents in the metro Boston area. In November 2015, participants completed a brief written questionnaire regarding their transportation preferences and practices. This was followed by small-group discussions focused on their experiences and feelings about available transportation choices. This design allowed for an in-depth exploration of the emotional and practical aspects of mobility for this specific age group. The findings revealed distinct patterns in transportation behavior and preference. Although many participants maintained strong emotional attachments to driving, several acknowledged they could no longer drive safely. For these non-drivers, mass transit was often unsuitable due to suburban living conditions lacking subway service, infrequent bus routes, discomfort, accessibility challenges, and security concerns. Relying on friends or family for rides was also limited by a desire not to impose on others. Consequently, on-demand paratransit services emerged as the most popular alternative, valued for their door-to-door convenience and affordability. Among those who retained their licenses but did not drive, the license served primarily as identification or for emergency "just in case" scenarios. Some drivers continued to operate vehicles but ceased giving rides to others to avoid liability for others' safety, while others continued driving both themselves and others, expressing anxiety about future mobility loss. The study concludes that transportation solutions must account for the specific needs of the oldest old, who differ significantly from younger older adults in their self-regulation habits and preferences. The strong preference for on-demand paratransit highlights a critical gap in current service models, as sustaining such services without business model changes may be financially prohibitive. The research underscores the necessity of further investigation into this demographic to develop viable alternatives that support their independence. The results are being prepared for dissemination via a white paper and a future submission to the Transportation Research Board, integrating these qualitative insights with national data sets.

Key finding

On-demand door-to-door paratransit was the most popular transportation alternative among non-driving adults aged 85 and over, while mass transit was widely rejected as inconvenient, uncomfortable, or unsafe.

Methodology

mixed_methods

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• older drivers