How Transportation Access Affects Health Outcomes in Rural Elderly Populations
Presenter(s)
Madison Conlin
Abstract
Older adults living in rural communities experience significant transportation barriers that directly influence their health, wellness, and overall quality of life. Barriers such as limited funding, inadequate public transportation, long travel distances, and high transportation costs contribute to missed medical appointments, delayed preventative care, reduced social participation, and health disparities. The project targets the question, "For older adults who live in rural communities, what is the effect of reliable, convenient, and affordable transportation versus not, on health, wellness, and quality of life?", specifically focusing on older adults within the community of Winona, Minnesota. To explore this issue, the project was conducted using a multi-method approach including a community needs assessment, performing a windshield survey of the Winona area, and informal interviews with local organizations that serve older adults. Additionally, findings from local, state, and national data will be synthesized in this presentation to identify key gaps in transportation access and the effect on healthy aging. The final poster will disseminate the findings of how transportation is a critical social determinant of health and how adequate transportation resources impact the overall health and well-being among rural older adults.
College
College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Department
Nursing
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Kathryn Frie
Second Advisor/Mentor
Sara Laker
Location
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Start Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 11:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1b=10am-11am
Poster Number
14
How Transportation Access Affects Health Outcomes in Rural Elderly Populations
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Older adults living in rural communities experience significant transportation barriers that directly influence their health, wellness, and overall quality of life. Barriers such as limited funding, inadequate public transportation, long travel distances, and high transportation costs contribute to missed medical appointments, delayed preventative care, reduced social participation, and health disparities. The project targets the question, "For older adults who live in rural communities, what is the effect of reliable, convenient, and affordable transportation versus not, on health, wellness, and quality of life?", specifically focusing on older adults within the community of Winona, Minnesota. To explore this issue, the project was conducted using a multi-method approach including a community needs assessment, performing a windshield survey of the Winona area, and informal interviews with local organizations that serve older adults. Additionally, findings from local, state, and national data will be synthesized in this presentation to identify key gaps in transportation access and the effect on healthy aging. The final poster will disseminate the findings of how transportation is a critical social determinant of health and how adequate transportation resources impact the overall health and well-being among rural older adults.
Comments
Conlin, Madison M