University of California Institute of Transportation Studies

Sixteen percent of adults aged 62 and over in California live in poverty. Older adults also make up a large share of the state’s homeless population, primarily because low-incomeseniors on fixed incomes are being priced out of housing. These trends are especially concerning as California’s population continues to age. Understanding how housing affordability and access to transportation affect older adults is vital to supporting healthy aging.

Our research team surveyed the transportation needs and behaviors of 89 senior affordable housing residents at six sites in San Diego County. These sites varied by county region, public transit proximity, and neighborhood density. Of these respondents, 54 had experienced homelessness and 16 managed chronic health conditions; nearly all were considered very or extremely low-income based on area median income. We focused on travel for social events and errands since almost none of the respondents worked or attended school.