Accessing Consumer Goods and Services as a Non-driver in Appalachian Ohio: An Exploratory Study

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Boehle, Sarah Goode
Language:English
Published: Miami University / OhioLINK 2015
Subjects:
Online Access:http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1437680018
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spelling ndltd-OhioLink-oai-etd.ohiolink.edu-miami14376800182021-08-03T06:32:20Z Accessing Consumer Goods and Services as a Non-driver in Appalachian Ohio: An Exploratory Study Boehle, Sarah Goode Gerontology Aging Transportation Transportation Planning Appalachia transportation aging in place rural transportation access to services non-driving older adults Many older adults want to remain in their homes and communities as they age, and the need for services to support aging in place will likely grow as the older population increases. Understanding how rural elders access consumer goods and services is critical for identifying how we can support aging in rural settings in the future. The study examined how non-driving older adults in Appalachian Ohio coordinated transportation for medical care, shopping, and social engagement. The goal of this qualitative study was to bring to light the experiences, thoughts, and perspectives of the informants. Many of the study participants had low levels of education, low income, chronic health impairments, and lived in areas where few transportation programs were available to them. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 informants to identify, from the older adult’s perspective, the types of transportation resources they utilized. Utilizing a content analysis process, richly detailed stories emerged about their experiences. The results of this study provide a glimpse into rural transportation resources and how they operate in Appalachian Ohio. The findings suggest that many basic needs may be met through current resources, although additional options and improvements are desired. The informants offered insight and suggestions on enhancements that could make a positive difference in their lives. They also exposed challenges and barriers they faced when seeking goods and services, which was enlightening. Informants indicated that they have little control over the details of their transportation, and in many cases, voiced a sense of powerlessness. This study offers valuable insight for agencies and organizations seeking to provide transportation services that are meaningful, effective, and efficient in Appalachian Ohio. 2015-07-24 English text Miami University / OhioLINK http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1437680018 http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1437680018 unrestricted This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.
collection NDLTD
language English
sources NDLTD
topic Gerontology
Aging
Transportation
Transportation Planning
Appalachia
transportation
aging in place
rural transportation
access to services
non-driving older adults
spellingShingle Gerontology
Aging
Transportation
Transportation Planning
Appalachia
transportation
aging in place
rural transportation
access to services
non-driving older adults
Boehle, Sarah Goode
Accessing Consumer Goods and Services as a Non-driver in Appalachian Ohio: An Exploratory Study
author Boehle, Sarah Goode
author_facet Boehle, Sarah Goode
author_sort Boehle, Sarah Goode
title Accessing Consumer Goods and Services as a Non-driver in Appalachian Ohio: An Exploratory Study
title_short Accessing Consumer Goods and Services as a Non-driver in Appalachian Ohio: An Exploratory Study
title_full Accessing Consumer Goods and Services as a Non-driver in Appalachian Ohio: An Exploratory Study
title_fullStr Accessing Consumer Goods and Services as a Non-driver in Appalachian Ohio: An Exploratory Study
title_full_unstemmed Accessing Consumer Goods and Services as a Non-driver in Appalachian Ohio: An Exploratory Study
title_sort accessing consumer goods and services as a non-driver in appalachian ohio: an exploratory study
publisher Miami University / OhioLINK
publishDate 2015
url http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1437680018
work_keys_str_mv AT boehlesarahgoode accessingconsumergoodsandservicesasanondriverinappalachianohioanexploratorystudy
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