Understanding Public Transit Use and Physical Activity in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Erica Twardzik, Jennifer Schrack
Primary Institution: University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Hypothesis
Public transit use is linked to increased physical activity among older adults.
Conclusion
Older adults who use public transit engage in more daily physical activity compared to non-users.
Supporting Evidence
- 8.0% of older adults use public transit to get to places outside of their home.
- Women use public transit less than men (6.3% vs 8.5%).
- Public transit use decreases with age, from 7.8% in ages 72-74 to 3.6% in ages 90+.
- Public transit use was consistent from 2015 to 2019 but dropped significantly in 2020.
- In 2021 and 2022, public transit users averaged 48.8 more daily minutes of physical activity than non-users.
Takeaway
Using public transit can help older people be more active, but fewer of them are using it now than before the pandemic.
Methodology
Analysis of public transit use among older adults using data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study from 2015 to 2022.
Limitations
The study may not account for all factors influencing public transit use and physical activity.
Participant Demographics
Adults aged 72 years and older, with variations by gender and age group.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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