Fact #398: November 14, 2005
Effect of High Gasoline Prices on Older Adults
The AARP conducted a nationwide survey in August and September of 2005 of Americans 50 years old and older. It happened that some of the survey respondents were contacted before hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast and some of the respondents were contacted after the hurricane hit. The gasoline price spike caused by the hurricane may have influenced the respondents' answers. Before Katrina, half of those surveyed said they had limited their driving due to high gasoline prices; that number jumped to 62% for the respondents surveyed after the hurricane hit.
Question: Have you modified your lifestyle in any way due to the rising gas costs, such as… .?
Supporting Information
| Question: Have you modified your lifestyle in any way due to the rising gas costs, such as… .? | Pre-Katrina 8/24-8/28 | Post-Katrina 9/7-9/11 |
|---|---|---|
| (Share of "yes" responses) | ||
| Limited your daily driving | 50% | 62% |
| Limited your travel or vacations | 40% | 47% |
| Increased walking to use car less | 22% | 28% |
| Increased your use of public transportation | 85% | 11% |
| Reduced visits with family and friends | 31% | 39% |
| Reduced saving because of higher gasoline prices | 39% | 40% |
| Reduced spending in other areas to offset higher gasoline prices | 38% | 41% |
|
Source: The Effects of Gasoline Costs on U.S. Residents 50+, Conducted for AARP Bulletin, September 2005. | ||
Return to 2005 Facts of the Week