Transportation Models for Rural Healthy Aging

Transportation is critical to ensure older adults can stay connected and participate in daily activities, such as shopping, healthcare appointments, and community events. In addition, access to transportation helps older adults remain connected with friends and family, protecting them from social isolation and loneliness. Many older adults develop health and mobility challenges that make it difficult to drive. In rural areas, where public transit is not often accessible, this can be especially challenging. The Rural Transportation Toolkit contains evidence-based models and promising approaches that support older adults living in rural communities.

Transportation is an essential component of livable communities. Since many people will live beyond the time when they can safely drive, it is important for older adults to create a plan for transportation independence.

Older adults living in rural areas face unique transportation challenges. The availability of transportation options differs between rural and metro areas with people in rural areas experiencing greater travel burdens such as unmet travel needs and financial challenges to access transit compared with urban residents.

Ridesharing services can improve older adults' mobility options, but service availability in rural areas is limited. Cost and a lack of access to rides that accommodate mobility needs are some of the barriers for older adults in rural areas.

Some community organizations and faith-based organizations in rural areas offer volunteer transportation programs that provide rides to older adults for a small fee or no fee. Dial-a-ride programs offer an additional level of service to older adults who require greater assistance (door-through-door) or help with mobility devices. Older adults may qualify for paratransit services offered by public transit agencies, which provide complementary paratransit service to people who cannot use a fixed route bus or rail service because of a disability. Transportation resources are also available at the federal level. The Older Americans Act funds services that provide transportation to and from medical appointments. Most Area Agencies on Aging are responsible for addressing the needs and concerns of older adults by offering transportation services funded by the Older Americans Act.

Voucher programs vary in structure and provide free rides or reduced fares to people, including older adults. Voucher programs are flexible, allowing older adults to choose transit services that meet their needs and preferences. Transportation providers may include public or private options as well as volunteer drivers.

Transportation programs in rural areas to support healthy aging should prioritize access, safety, affordability, reliability, convenience, flexibility, and offering rides to activities beyond healthcare appointments.

There are resources that can help older adults to identify transportation programs in their communities. The Eldercare Locator, administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, is a national referral resource that connects people to local transportation programs and services. Rides in Sight is a free searchable database on transportation programs for older adults and people with visual impairments.

For more information about transportation, see the Transportation to Support Rural Healthcare topic guide.

Considerations for Implementation

Different partners in rural communities can play a role in improving transportation options for older adults. For example, organizations and service providers in aging, urban planning, housing, public health, and healthcare can coordinate to offer and raise awareness of transportation options in rural areas. There may be opportunities for transportation models to complement social services or other programs focused on healthy aging. While transportation to healthcare appointments may be available to some rural older adults, there are fewer transportation options for social purposes. Understanding the transportation needs of rural older adults is critical.

Resources to Learn More

Eldercare Locator
Website
Acts as a national referral resource that connects people to community programs and services for older adults, including transportation.
Organization(s): Administration for Community Living

National Aging and Disability Transportation Center
Website
Serves as a federally funded center that provides technical assistance related to available transportation options, coordination, funding, safety, and other transportation resources for older adults. Includes an information and resources section on rural transportation and for older adults.
Organization(s): National Aging and Disability Transportation Center

Older Driver Safety and Transition for the Mature Driver
Document
Shares considerations and planning steps to ensure the ongoing safety of older adult drivers and information for mobility planning.
Organization(s): National Center on Senior Transportation

Rural Transit
Website
Lists rural transit grants and technical assistance opportunities available to state, tribal, and local governments.
Organization(s): Federal Transit Administration

Safe Driving for Older Adults
Website
Shares safety considerations for older drivers, including physical changes, that may impact a person's ability to drive. Covers safe driving tips and resources for more information.
Organization(s): National Institute on Aging

Transportation Options for Older Adults and People with Disabilities
Document
Provides information on community transportation services for older adults and how to select the options that meet the individuals' needs.
Organization(s): National Aging and Disability Transportation Center
Date: 9/2018

What Caregivers Should Know About Senior Transportation Services
Document
Discusses how to evaluate various transportation options, the pros and cons of each, and information on how to find transportation services in your community.
Author (s): Alderton, M.
Organization(s): AARP
Date: 1/2020