Older Adults mobility issues: exploring various methods to improve transit-oriented development options available to elderly individuals

Many cities that prioritize transit-oriented development tend to focus on urban rail transit, such as metro systems. However, this approach may neglect other important public transport options, like buses, that are crucial to the health and well-being of older individuals. In my study, I aim to examine the public transport usage patterns of older people and explore how the availability of multiple public transport options can impact their physical and mental health. My research team conducted a survey of ۴۳۰ elderly individuals in Tehran, a city renowned for its transit-oriented development led by the metro system, to gain insights into their public transport usage patterns, the environment around the stations they typically use, and their physical and mental health. To identify the factors that explain these patterns, I employed univariate analysis. I then used multivariable linear regression models with several sensitivity analyses to investigate the associations between public transport usage, route environment, and health outcomes, while adjusting for covariates such as individual factors, physical activity, and self-reported chronic disease to ensure the accuracy of my findings. My research shows that using multiple public transportation options has a positive association with better physical health. I also found that those who use a combination of metro and bus have the highest physical activity levels, better physical health, and mental health (mental component summary), as compared to those who only use the bus or metro. For mixed-mode users, pedestrian crowdedness is negatively associated with physical health, while satisfaction with sidewalk width is positively associated with mental health.

Keywords:

older people , Tehran , Subway , Mental health