By 2050, the global population of adults aged 60 and above is expected to reach 2.1 billion, up from 1 billion in 2020. For rural America, transportation is especially vital to health because many rural residents live 10 to 30 miles from the nearest hospital or pharmacy. Rural older adults, who make up about one-quarter of Americans age 65 and older, face unique challenges accessing transportation and healthcare services.

Public transportation options in rural communities remain limited, creating significant transportation barriers for residents who do not have access to a personal vehicle or other reliable transportation. These barriers disproportionately affect older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who may have greater transportation needs or fewer alternatives. In rural Spokane County, limited public transportation options and infrastructure may further restrict access to essential services, including healthcare.

The effects of transportation barriers extend beyond getting from one place to another and can contribute to healthcare access disparities. When people have trouble reaching healthcare services, particularly preventive and routine care, medical needs may be delayed or go unmet. These challenges can be even greater in rural communities, where healthcare services and infrastructure are less available. Some residents must travel long distances to larger cities, such as Spokane, to receive care. Without reliable transportation, distance can become a major barrier and may contribute to worsening health conditions, increasing physical, emotional, and financial burdens.

Transportation barriers in rural communities are influenced by both the availability of transportation services and the infrastructure needed to support accessible travel. Addressing these factors is important to improving access to healthcare and other essential resources for rural residents.

To better understand these barriers among rural older adults, the Health Promotion team at Spokane Regional Health District conducted community-based data collection focused on transportation access to medical services. Data were collected through focus groups and surveys at established gathering places for older adults, including a senior center, an exercise class, and a church group. This community-voice approach was used to identify transportation experiences, concerns, and needs directly from rural older adults in Spokane County.

Analysis of the data showed that participants were not always familiar with available transportation options and often lacked confidence in navigating public transportation. Older adults also said they were unprepared for changing transportation needs, including changes in their ability to drive independently. These findings informed the development of Staying Connected: Transportation Information for Aging Adults, a guide designed to address gaps in transportation knowledge and future planning.

Staying Connected: Transportation Information for Aging Adults provides information to help rural older adults navigate transportation options in Spokane County. The guide covers driving, public transportation, bicycling, walking, and planning for future transportation needs. Its flexible format allows readers to access information that fits their current circumstances while providing resources that may be useful as transportation needs change over time. Keeping the guide on hand can support ongoing transportation planning and decision-making as individual circumstances and transportation options evolve.

The guide is available at senior centers, clinical offices, and other community locations that provide resources for older adults. Organizations interested in requesting copies for their offices can email [email protected]. Once we receive your request, we will provide you with a form asking for further details.