Preferred modes of travel among older adults: What factors affect the choice to walk instead of drive?

Introduction

There are many factors that influence older adults' travel choices. This paper explores the associations between mode of travel choice for a short trip and older adults' personal characteristics.

Methods

This study included 406 drivers over the age of 64 who were enrolled in a large integrated health plan in the United States between 1991 and 2001. Bivariate analyses and generalized linear modeling were used to examine associations between choosing to walk or drive and respondents' self-reported general health, physical and functional abilities, and confidence in walking and driving.

Results

Having more confidence in their ability to walk versus drive increased an older adult's likelihood of walking to make a short trip by about 20% (PR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.06-1.40), and walking for exercise increased the likelihood by about 50% (PR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.22-1.91). Reporting fair or poor health decreased the likelihood of walking, as did cutting down on the amount of driving due to a physical problem.

Discussion

Factors affecting a person's decision to walk for exercise may not be the same as those that influence their decision to walk as a mode of travel. It is important to understand the barriers to walking for exercise and walking for travel to develop strategies to help older adults meet both their exercise and mobility needs. Impact on Industry: Increasing walking over driving among older adults may require programs that increase confidence in walking and encourage walking for exercise.     

铁碳微电解法在废水处理中的研究进展及应用现状

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人-机系统事故预防理论研究

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矿井通风系统安全性的多层次模糊综合评价

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Relationship between cultivated land use functions and land rental behavior of rural households: empirical evidence from different dominant functional regions in central China

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基于核心企业视角的虚拟生态工业园构建分析

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Economies of scale in global iron-making

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Economic assessment of the health effects related to particulate matter pollution in 111 Chinese cities by using economic burden of disease analysis

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环境监测数值修约在Excel中的实现

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城市生态安全多层次灰色综合评价

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