Travel Patterns and Characteristics of Elderly Subpopulation in New York State

Hwang, Ho-Ling¹  Wilson, Daniel W.¹  Reuscher, Tim²  Yang, Jianjiang¹  Taylor, Rob D.¹  Chin, Shih-Miao¹ 

[1] Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States);Macrosys, Arlington, VA (United States)

关键词: elderly travel patterns;    New York State;   

DOI  :  10.2172/1185940
RP-ID  :  ORNL/TM--2015/83
PID  :  OSTI ID: 1185940
Others  :  Other: WN0219060

美国|英语

来源: SciTech Connect

【 摘 要 】

With the increasing demographic shift towards a larger population of elderly (individuals 65 years and older), it is essential for policy makers and planners to have an understanding of transportation issues that affect the elderly. These issues include livability of the community, factors impacting travel behavior and mobility, transportation safety, etc. In this study, Oak Ridge National Laboratory was tasked by the New York State (NYS) Department of Transportation to conduct a detailed examination of travel behaviors, and identify patterns and trends of the elderly within NYS. The National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) was used as the primary data source to analyze subjects and address questions such as: Are there differences in traveler demographics between the elderly population and those of younger age groups who live in various NYS regions; e.g., New York City, other urban areas of NYS, or other parts of the country? How do they compare with the population at large? Are there any regional differences (e.g., urban versus rural)? Gender differences? Do any unique travel characteristics or patterns exist within the elderly group? In addition to analysis of NHTS data, roadway travel safety concerns associated with elderly travelers were also investigated in this study. Specifically, data on accidents involving the elderly (including drivers, passengers, and others) as captured in the Fatal Analysis Reporting System (FARS) database was analyzed to examine elderly driver and elderly pedestrian travel safety issues in NYS. The analyses of these data sets provide a greater understanding of the elderly within NYS and their associated transportation issues. Through this study, various key findings on elderly population size, household characteristics, and travel patterns were produced and are report herein this report.