Livability For All: The 2016 AARP Age-Friendly Community Survey

Transit accessibility for older adults in the Greater Lansing, Michigan region

“…When considering the expressed desires of seniors in the Lansing Metropolitan Area, to enable them to age in place and remain in their home and community longer, providing equitable and accessible transportation options in East Lansing was seen as key (Binette et al , 2016). In regards to the bus infrastructure assessed in this case study, the results suggest that public transit provided by CATA is convenient to some extent.…”

“…These findings may be used to guide policy decisions regarding transportation in communities where the existing transit services are unable to meet the needs of the growing older adult population. US Census (2014) indicates that the older adult population will almost double in the next four decades as the baby boomer generation ages, and the current trend is that these seniors want to age in place and remain in their homes and communities, even though they will soon be no longer able to drive (Binette et al , 2016; Chen and Millar, 2000; Zhou and Lyles, 1997). To enable them to live healthier, happier lives for longer, many living in automobile-dependent low-density suburban communities, there is a need to expand transportation options.…”

“…Although driving is the preferred mode of travel by older adults as reported in a recent study, other preferences include having transportation services available to take older adults to and from activities, especially door-to-door personal assistance (Binette et al , 2016; Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, 2015). Aside from fixed-route service, where public transit is available, many communities provide paratransit service for older adult residents.…”

“…There is a need for more specific awareness of older adults and their needs for a balanced community and life (Spina and Menec, 2013). Since older adults today are healthier, more affluent, and more mobile than previous generations, they have an increased desire to remain in the home and neighbourhood where they have spent the majority of their life (Binette et al , 2016; Chen and Millar, 2000; Zhou and Lyles, 1997). Their expectations today also differ, as they are more reluctant to change their model of behaviour once they enter retirement (Marottoli et al , 1997).…”

“…The survey results reported that transportation was rated as the most important feature (with a score of 4.41 on a scale of one to five, where one was “not at all important” and five was “extremely important”) of a liveable community out of eight available domains. Other domains included health and wellness, housing, outdoor spaces, job opportunities, community information, volunteer and civic engagement and social participation (Binette et al , 2016).…”