Transportation and Quality of Life for Older Adults

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Transportation and Quality of Life for Older
Adults
Cynthia Owsley, MSPH, PhD

• Department of Ophthalmology
• School of Medicine
• University of Alabama at Birmingham

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Why Transportation?

• Our Community
• Transportation

• Planning Along the Lifespan
• Workplace of the Future
• Social Engagement
• Marketplace

But actually . . . Transportation is such a basic
aspect of life it falls within all of these areas!
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Personal Transportation
Driving

• And for those who no longer drive, an alternative
  mode of transportation that is accessible.

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Driving is not just about getting around!
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Preference

• Older adults want to drive.

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Independence

• Driving, and having a license, is a badge of
  personal independence.
• Advertising and media messages of automakers
  reflect our cultural values.

In life, there are passengers and there are
drivers. . . be a driver.
People friendly.
For life.
The legend lives.
An American revolution.
Welcome to the state of independence.
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Personal Burden

• Driving cessation leads to depression and social
  isolation.

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Access to Healthcare

• Lack of transportation limits healthcare access
  and reduces utilization.

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The Session Today

• So adequate transportation for older adults is
  all about dignity, health, and independence.
• Speakers today will present a myriad of issues
  and action items that deserve our attention.

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Committee on the Safe Mobility of Older
PersonsThe Transportation Research Board

• Visit us at
• www.eyes.uab.edu/safemobility