Ageing in a low-density urban city: transportation mobility as a social equity issue

TLDR

The study examines older adults’ experiences and perspectives on transportation mobility. Using community‑based participatory research, 60 older adults in Arlington, Texas, participated in interviews and focus groups, and thematic analysis guided by social equity concepts was applied. Transportation‑disadvantaged older adults face limited access to health care, goods, and social networks, and affordable transportation is undermined by social and political forces that marginalize historically disadvantaged groups, highlighting the need for equitable transportation policies.

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine older adults' experiences and perspectives regarding transportation mobility. Using a community-based participatory research approach, residents of Arlington, Texas, age 55 and older, participated in individual interviews (N = 15) or one of six focus groups (N = 45) as part of an overall study about ageing well in a large ethnically diverse city in the United States of America. Thematic analysis was conducted using inductive and deductive qualitative methods and social equity as a sensitising concept. Findings indicate that older adults who are transportation-disadvantaged experience limited access to health care, goods and services and are isolated from familiar lifestyle habits and social networks. Access to affordable, adequate transportation is compromised through social and political forces, which marginalise historically disadvantaged populations. Implications for cross-disciplinary practice and future research on sustainable transportation and policy development are discussed within a social justice and social equity framework.