Examining the health effects of public transport use on older adults: A systematic review

Background and aim

Public transport use has been linked to several health benefits in the general population and is crucial for older adults’ mobility, due to an age-related decline in physical and cognitive capacity and mobility, particularly the ability to use other modes of transport. The objective of this systematic review is to determine what is known about the physical and mental health outcomes of public transport use of older adults and to identify remaining gaps in the literature.

Methods

Five electronic databases were searched in April 2023, and then updated in January 2024: Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Ageline and Transport Research International Documentation (TRID). Included were studies that were in English, contained a measure of public transport use as exposure, and any health outcome, including mental or physical health, physical or cognitive function, morbidity, or mortality, among people aged ≥60 years.

Results

Of a total of 2247 unique records that were screened, the full text of 20 was assessed for eligibility and 11 were identified as eligible. Citation search identified two additional studies, amounting to a total of 13 included studies. Significant health outcomes described in assessed studies were decreased obesity and depressive symptoms, and to a lesser extent increased gait speed and cognitive function.

Conclusions

Initial evidence suggests a positive impact of public transport use on obesity, depressive symptoms, gait and cognitive function, although available research was limited in context and methodology. Further research should focus on determining causality between public transport use and health, and be conducted in more diverse contexts. Transport and urban planners, as well as policymakers, should consider the implications of public transport on the health and independence of older adults.