Research Paper on the Role of Transportation in Addressing Social Isolation in Older Adults

Principal Investigator(s):

Carrie Henning-Smith, Associate Professor, School of Public Health

Co-Investigators:

  • Yingling Fan, Associate Dean for Faculty, Humphrey School of Public Affairs

Project summary:

A multidisciplinary team of experts from the University of Minnesota has received funding from the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) on behalf of the National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM) to investigate the role of transportation in addressing social isolation in older adults. The goal of this work is to inform this question: ?How can public transportation be used as a preventive intervention tool to address the potentially harmful effects of social isolation?? Activities for this project will include a thorough review of relevant background research, including secondary data; interviews with subject matter experts; and identification of case studies and lessons learned. The resulting paper will contribute to both the literature and practice of using transportation to address social isolation in older adults.

Project details:

  • Project number: 2020046
  • Start date: 03/2020
  • Project status: Completed
  • Research area: Planning and Economy
  • Topics: Equity, Health, Transit planning