Glenyth Nasvadi, Simon Fraser University

Informal social support and use of a specialized transportation system by chronically ill older adults

Ms. Glenyth Nasvadi researched key factors that influence decisions to use formal transportation systems. Maintaining access to essential services and social contacts is critical to the physical and emotional well-being of older Canadians. As the proportion of older is Canadians increasing, expanding networks of useable transportation systems is becoming increasingly important. To carry out her research, Ms. Nasvadi conducted an analysis of telephone surveys with 904 older adults diagnosed with a chronic illness who were living in a large metropolitan area. The survey included questions on the use of formal and informal support services, as well as questions about factors that predispose and support the use of such services.

Results showed that a positive attitude towards alternate transportation was the strongest predictor of use, and that the presence of other informal support was also influential. These findings signal an opportunity to increase the use of alternate transportation by changing the attitudes of users as well as the attitudes of their caregivers. These results contributed significantly to Ms. Nasvadi's research on road safety issues of seniors by underscoring the importance of social attitudes towards driving and formal transportation. With it, Ms. Nasvadi plans to develop life-long mobility strategies for aging Canadians.

Ms. Nasvadi's work with seniors includes research on older driver attitudes and education, roadway design, driver licensing, pedestrian issues, and physical fitness. She is in the final stages of completing her Master's degree in Gerontology, focusing specifically on strategies that may extend the safe driving of aging Canadians. Her future career plans include continuing to support mobility among seniors.