A Community-Engaged Ethnographic Investigation into Public Transit Among Older Adults Experiencing Homelessness

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Urban Planning

Background:

• Older adults (50+) are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population in the U.S.
• This demographic experiences unique mobility challenges and transportation barriers.
• Access to health and social services is often dependent on reliable transportation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the mobility practices, needs, perceptions, and values of unhoused older adults.
• To understand their experiences navigating public transit for essential services.
• To identify barriers and facilitators in accessing health and social services via public transit.

Main Methods:

• Rapid ethnographic assessments were employed.
• 23 observations of 12 participants navigating public transit were conducted.
• Data included 65 hours of observations, field notes, walking interviews, and travel diaries.

Main Results:

• Two major themes emerged: 'waiting' and 'friction'.
• Experiences involved complex negotiations of time, space, individual ability, and interpersonal interactions.
• Physical demands and cognitive load of public transit were often insurmountable.
• Public transit systems were perceived as hostile, leading to stigmatization and segregation.

Conclusions:

• Attaining housing and improving health/well-being for older homeless adults is contingent on reliable transportation.
• Current public transit systems often fail to meet the needs of this population.
• Transit system design and professional support must consider the specific capacities and challenges of unhoused older adults.