Reliable transportation is essential for older adults to maintain independence, access health care, manage chronic conditions, buy groceries, and stay connected to their communities. Yet, many older adults face transportation barriers due to limited public transit, mobility challenges, cost, long travel distances, or difficulty navigating available services. These challenges can lead to missed medical appointments, delayed care, greater social isolation, and increased pressure on caregivers.

In a West Health Mosaic blog post, CHCS senior program officer Torshira Moffett, MPH, explores how transportation access shapes health and well-being for older adults. The article highlights strategies that states and communities can use to address transportation needs, including stronger navigation supports, reduced cost barriers, ride-share and microtransit options, volunteer transportation networks, and cross-agency planning. These approaches can help older adults reach needed services and remain active in their communities as they age.