'Even if they're late or it takes forever … I will get home': Exploring lived experiences of older paratransit users.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Older adults with disabilities face significant transportation barriers, limiting healthcare access and social participation. Paratransit services aim to address these gaps, but usability challenges persist. This study examined the experiences of older paratransit users to identify barriers and facilitators affecting their healthcare access and community engagement.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants aged 55 and older, recruited via purposive sampling from Baltimore, Maryland. Interviews, lasting 30-75 min, explored eligibility processes, scheduling experiences, interpersonal interactions, and the perceived impact of paratransit on healthcare and social activities. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis guided by a

SUBMITTER: Fique MT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12162098 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature