This study explored how adults who are planning for retirement consider transportation issues. Using interviews, this study explored three research questions with employed, middle-aged33 adults living in low-density suburbs who are planning for retirement: 1. How do they view their post-retirement transportation needs? 2. How have these needs affected their retirement plans? 3. Do they consider alternative transportation options a factor when deciding on a retirement location? A number of studies have examined the transportation needs of older adults, but few studies have explored the transportation concerns of middle-aged adults as they plan for retirement. Examining these adults’ perceptions of their likely future transportation needs helps to identify gaps in retirement education, as well as helping planners to better understand how to plan cities to accommodate retirees. Interviews were conducted with 15 homeowners between the ages of 55 and 65 who are planning their retirement. Key findings include1. The majority of interviewees planned to continue driving well into their retirement years48 and did not consider transportation to be a retirement concern.2. All interviewees anticipated driving cessation but hadn’t actively planned for it. Most associated driving cessation with very old age and did not consider it an immediate concern.3. Most interviewees did not consider alternative transportation options when deciding on a retirement location.4. Respondents who wanted to retire to a walkable neighborhood saw walking in terms of recreation and leisure rather than as a solution to anticipated transportation needs.5. When asked about driving cessation, the majority of interviewees suggested they would move to a central location with better access to public transportation, and amenities and services within walking distance.
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