AARP Hearing Center
A new AARP survey finds strong support among adults age 50 and older for transit‑oriented development (TOD) — neighborhoods built around reliable public transportation, housing, and nearby services. Many older adults say affordability problems stem more from high prices than a lack of homes, and two‑thirds say it is important to have transportation options beyond driving. The survey also shows broad agreement across income levels that public transportation should be safe, reliable, and accessible, with most respondents across political parties backing legislation that promotes transit‑oriented development.
The results of the survey signal a clear opportunity for policymakers to better align housing and transportation investments with the needs of an aging population.
Methodology
The findings are based on a nationally representative survey of 1,032 U.S. adults age 50 and older conducted in March 2026 using NORC’s probability‑based Foresight 50+ Omnibus Poll. All data are weighted by age, sex, education, race/ethnicity, and region.
For more information, please contact Jennifer Sauer at jsauer@aarp.org. For media inquiries, contact External Relations at media@aarp.org.