Background:

We investigated predictors of two increases in older people’s public transport use: initiating public transport use among non-users; and increasing public transport use amongst users. We also investigated associations of these changes with physical activity, Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference.
Methods:

Data come from the 2008 and 2012 English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Logistic regression assessed predictors of increases in public transport use among adults aged ≥50 years. Gender-stratified logistic and linear models assessed associations of increases in public transport use with changes in physical activity and adiposity.
Results:

Those becoming eligible for a free older person’s bus pass were more likely to both initiate and increase public transport use (e.g. for initiating public transport use Adjusted Odds Ratio (AORs) 1.77, 95% Confidence Interval 1.35; 2.33). Retiring from paid work was also associated with both initiating and increasing public transport use e.g. AOR 1.57 (1.29; 1.91) for initiating use.

Women who increased public transport use had mean BMI 2.03 kg/m2 lower (− 2.84, − 1.21) at follow up than those who did not, although this was attenuated after adjusting for BMI at baseline (− 0.40 kg/m2, − 0.82, 0.01). After adjustment for baseline physical activity those initiating public transport use were more likely to undertake at least some physical activity in 2012 (e.g. AOR for women 1.67, 1.03; 2.72).
Conclusions:

Both initiating and increasing public transport use were associated with increased physical activity and may be associated with lower adiposity among women. These findings strengthen the case for considering public transport provision as an effective means of promoting healthier ageing.