Safety Using Public Buses in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities: An Exploratory Study in Two North American Cities

Background and Objectives: Safe community mobility is critical to support aging-in-place. For older adults living in low-and moderate-income urban settings, driving may not be an option due to costs associated with car ownership or a lack of driving history. Some older adults retire from driving due to changes in their health. Public transportation is critical to support community engagement. However, little is known about transportation challenges in naturally occurring retirement communities (NORC).Therefore, the purpose of this ecological theory-informed study was to explore supports and limitations regarding safe public bus use in NORCs. Research Design and Methods: A multiple qualitative case study design was used with purposive sampling of representative cases consisting of 4 bus routes in NORC neighborhoods. Field observations and in-depth semistructured interviews were conducted. Participants were: (a) age 60 and older, (b) English speaking, (c) ride the bus on average 2 or more times per month, (d) ambulatory with or without a walking aid, and (e) residents of 1 of the 4 NORC neighborhoods. A descriptive, thematic approach was used for data coding and analyses, and data were organized according to the framework method. Results: Seventeen NORC residents were interviewed, and 45 hr of field observations were conducted. Results revealed 4 major themes: impact on other people’s behavior, obstructed passageways, older riders impact on their own safety, and space and time orientation. Several subthemes were also uncovered. Discussion and Implications: Results suggest education and policy changes are needed to increase the safety of older adults who use public buses.