Transportation insecurity in older adults aged 60 and older in Clark County, Nevada

Introduction

With the growing aging population, ensuring that communities are age-friendly and address older adults' health, social, and economic needs is a public health priority. Transportation insecurity is associated with various aspects of individuals’ lives, affecting overall health and well-being, the ability to live independently, and adequately participate in society. The purpose of this study was to understand the prevalence and correlates of transportation insecurity among older adults aged 60 and older residing in Clark County, NV.

Methodology

Using a quantitative, cross-sectional design, researchers conducted phone surveys with a 24.58 % response rate using random-digit dialing and speaking directly to the older adult. Transportation insecurity was measured using the Sixteen-Item Transportation Security Index; other correlates known to be associated with barriers to transportation included race, ethnicity, age, gender, educational attainment, income level, marital status, disability status, and household characteristics.

Results

Of the 1001 participants, 25.3 % experienced transportation insecurity; 6.1 % experienced marginal transportation insecurity, 6.7 % experienced low transportation insecurity, 5.0 % experienced moderate transportation insecurity, and 7.5 % experienced high transportation insecurity. A logistic regression model (ꭔ² = 167.330, df = 1, p = <0.001) showed transportation insecurity was associated with income, age, and disability status.

Conclusions

Results highlight the need for transportation equity and public health policy. Interventions aimed at particularly vulnerable groups, namely low income and older adults with disabilities, could help to alleviate disparities and improve access to essential services.