David Joseph
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David Joseph is in the Master of Engineering Program and is studying transportation planning. He is a recipient of the 2013/2014 National Transportation Center (NTC) Fellowship and the 2014/2015 TRB Minority Student Fellowship. His thesis is titled "Estimating the Loss of Consumption Due to Driving Cessation Among the Elderly Population".
Thesis Abstract
As the number and influence of elderly persons in the United States grows, the changing transportation needs of this population will take on increasing importance. According to the National Vital Statistics Report published by the Centers for Disease Control (2013), the life expectancy as of 2010 was 78.7 years, an increase from 77.0 years in 2000. The elderly population will be expected to continue contributing to society as their numbers grow. These contributions will be expected as many opt to limit or cease driving. As a result, a given economy risks losing significant economic contribution due to the mobility loss experienced by elderly persons who do not drive. Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data between 2000 and 2012 were used to determine driving ability. Consumption and Activities Mail Survey (CAMS) data was then used to examine consumption patterns of the study group for certain categories. Driving cessation was shown to be associated with a significant reduction in overall expenditures as compared to those who were able to continue driving and is greatly influenced by the land use characteristics. Society faces a significant potential economic loss as senior mobility declines. The transportation planning community’s ability to remove certain mobility barriers can mitigate these lost contributions.
Publications
D. Joseph, C. Chavis, and A. Ardeshiri, "Estimating the Loss of Consumption Due to Driving Cessation Among the Elderly Population", 94th TRB Annual Meeting, 2015.