Understanding Mobility Needs for Older Adults in Wisconsin

Schrader, Michael; Han, Dahai; Li, Yang; Graettinger, Andrew · 2023 · ROSA P / Wisconsin. Dept. of Transportation. Research and Library Unit

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Summary

This study addresses the growing mobility needs of older adults in Wisconsin, motivated by a projected 72% increase in the population aged 65 and older by 2040. As driving remains the primary mode of transportation but becomes less viable for approximately 18% of older adults due to age, disability, or financial constraints, there is a critical need to understand alternative transportation patterns and barriers. The research aims to provide the public transit community with insights into travel needs, barriers, and the impact of emerging technologies to inform service design, marketing strategies, and capital investments. The researchers employed a mixed-methods approach involving a comprehensive literature review, a statewide survey, and focus group studies. The survey collected 1,650 valid responses from older adults across various counties and tribes, as well as 103 responses from transportation service providers, including transit agencies, specialized service providers, and tribal aging programs. Focus groups were conducted with both older adults and service providers to delve deeper into underlying issues, such as financial barriers, accommodational issues, and attitudes toward emerging technologies. The study also analyzed Wisconsin’s aging trends and current mobility programs, including specialized transit, volunteer driver programs, and mobility management initiatives. Key findings reveal that older adults strongly prefer self-driving or relying on family and friends, with limited use of local public and private services. Grocery shopping and medical appointments were the primary trip purposes. A significant digital divide was identified, with nearly half of the respondents lacking internet access, leading to a preference for phone-based ride requests. While general satisfaction with transportation services was high, specific concerns were raised regarding schedule availability, route choices, accessibility features, and coordination with healthcare providers. Service providers reported challenges in meeting client needs, particularly regarding vehicle availability and driver recruitment. The study also highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel behavior and the need for better integration of transportation services with healthcare systems. The study concludes with eight recommendations to enhance transportation services for older adults in Wisconsin. These include fostering collaboration among government agencies and community organizations, integrating survey feedback into transportation plans, and expanding service options, particularly wheelchair-accessible choices. The authors recommend adjusting schedules and routes to improve coverage in rural areas and during evenings and weekends, as well as providing specialized training for transportation providers on age-friendly communication and assistance with mobility aids. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for targeted marketing campaigns to raise awareness of available options, addressing connectivity issues through user-friendly technology systems, and focusing on rural communities to mitigate social isolation through volunteer driver programs. These insights aim to create a more inclusive, accessible, and age-friendly transportation system in Wisconsin.

Key finding

Older adults in Wisconsin predominantly prefer self-driving or relying on family and friends for transportation, while facing significant barriers related to schedule availability, route choices, and a digital divide in technology usage.

Methodology

mixed_methods

Sample size: 1753

Provenance

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

Topics

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• older driver retraining