Demand-Responsive Transportation Boosts Daily Step Count in Elderly, Research Shows

A recent study highlights the positive impact of demand-responsive transport (DRT) services on the physical activity levels of older adults in residential communities. DRT is an innovative transportation mode that offers on-demand pick-up and drop-off services tailored to passengers' needs, addressing a significant social challenge in areas where many seniors reside. The research, conducted by students and faculty at Osaka Metropolitan University, focused on the effects of DRT in Senboku New Town, utilizing data collected through the Health-Smart-Senboku app.

The findings, published in the Journal of Transport and Health, reveal that engaging with DRT services markedly increased the average daily steps of elderly participants by approximately 628 steps. Notably, individuals who initially walked fewer steps before the trial were able to reach comparable activity levels to those who were more active previously. This suggests that DRT can serve as an effective tool to promote walking and physical activity among seniors, especially those with health limitations that hinder their use of private vehicles.

Researchers emphasize that the benefits of DRT extend beyond mobility, potentially contributing to better health outcomes for older populations. They argue that the operation of demand-responsive transit should involve cooperation between transportation and healthcare sectors, given its social and health-related benefits. The study calls for multi-stakeholder discussions and the development of sustainable models that incorporate social impact evaluations, ensuring DRT remains a viable mobility solution for aging communities.

This research underscores the importance of integrated approaches to transportation and health, highlighting how tailored mobility services can foster healthier, more active lifestyles among the elderly.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-demand-responsive-elderly-daily.html