Understanding Mobility-Related Challenges for AAPI Older Adults: A Preliminary Study in Southern California

Abstract:

Nationwide, the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is projected to constitute 11 percent of people 65 years and older in the United States by 2050 (He et al., 2005). The challenges limiting the transportation and mobility of AAPI older adults include, but are not limited to, language barriers, cultural barriers, anti-Asian hate, accessibility to public transit, traffic safety and public security concerns, and changes to mobility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This project conducted an extensive literature review and a preliminary multi-language survey in Southern California to better understand mobility-related challenges for Asian American and Pacific Islander older adults. The results of this project can provide government agencies and organizations with recommendations for policy and program changes to benefit AAPI older adults and the broader communities.

Publications:

Understanding Mobility-Related Challenges for AAPI Older Adults: A Preliminary Study in Southern California (Full Report)

Research Brief

Authors:

YONGPING ZHANG, PHD, PE

Dr. Zhang is an Associate Professor from the Civil Engineering Department at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona). His specialty areas include transportation planning, modeling, and policy development.

PRISCILA SALGADO INZUNZA

Ms. Priscila Salgado Inzunza is a graduate student of transportation engineering in the Civil Engineering Department at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

CAROL KACHADOORIAN

Ms. Kachadoorian is the Executive Director of dblTilde CORE, Inc., a nonprofit that promotes and researches active mobility and wellness for older adults. Her experience includes transit and transportation planning and operations, as well as community engagement.

WEN CHENG, PHD, PE, TE, PTOE

Dr. Cheng is a professor from the Civil Engineering Department at Cal Poly Pomona. His specialty areas include statistical modeling and traffic safety.

CALVIN WONG

Mr. Calvin Wong is a graduate student of transportation engineering in the Civil Engineering Department at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Published:

January 2025

Keywords:

Transportation equity

Public transit

Traffic safety

Transportation policy

Mobility