There has been a study conducted by Japanese researchers and
presented in the American heart association’s scientific sessions. This study
indicated the significant impact of public transit on individuals’ health. It
was based on a health evaluation for 6,000 adults that use different commute
methods and represents different demographics.
The two methods of commuting to work that have been studied in
this research are commuting by driving and commuting by using public transit.
As a result of this study, researchers found that people who travel using the
public transit are 44% less likely to be overweight, 27% less likely to have
high blood pressure, and 34% less likely to have diabetes. These results are a
great proof of the health benefits coming from using the public transit system.
This research has also highlighted another health fact among the
users of the public transit system itself, people who tend to use bikes or
walking to commute have higher rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, and
overweight, than people who commute using the bus or train.
Another fact that has been observed throughout the study is the
affect of the social aspect on the health system of human beings. People who
tend to use the public transit experience higher levels of social and
environmental interactions.
Public transit system keeps on proving its benefits on different
levels and attributes!
This article was very interesting to me because of not just the health aspects which are not surprising to me but the social aspects. I never really thought how when we drive cars around we don't interact with anyone around us in any meaningful way. Although with public transit there is more interactions and more situations where people have chances to have experiences. I wonder about the stress levels of each demographic, drivers vs public transits.
ReplyDeleteThat's some really great insight! Usually when we hear health benefits related to alternative modes of transit we assume obesity rates and stress levels that are related to physical exercise. But the significant health benefits of public transit are truly heightened when we take into account social and environmental interactions. It makes a lot of sense since humans are inherently social beings that constantly crave stimulation whether it be from the company of other beings or new experiences. And frankly the experience within a car remains relatively unchanging from a day-to-day basis.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! I would have made the assumption that individuals walking and biking would be have lower rates of diabetes, blood pressure, and weight then those using public transit. I would also think that those using public transit might have a higher blood pressure as I find using public transit to sometimes be stressful. I suppose this speaks to the importance of having a transportation system that the general population feels comfortable with. Very interesting post!
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