A study investigating the travel habits and preferences of older Australian adults with a falls risk.

AIM: To investigate the travel habits and preferences of city-dwelling older Australians with a falls risk, and factors influencing outings.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted with 96 community-dwelling adults with a falls risk.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 78.2 years (SD 5.33). The majority were women (77%). Most (75%) went on five or more outings per week (mean 6.9 outings). Men drove more than women (41% vs 31%). Shopping was the most common reason for outings. Walking was the most frequent mode of travel, and buses were both the easiest and most difficult. Factors that enabled bus travel included bus stop location, good services and cheap fares. Primary reasons for restricting outings were poor health, transport barriers, neighbourhood safety and personal motivation.

CONCLUSION

These older adults went out nearly every day. Findings can be used to improve transport services for older people.