Mobility behaviour of older people

Abstract

The increase in older people is a reflection of social and economic progress. However, the older population is also a major challenge for different sectors, including transport. In later life, mobility is both a means to accomplish daily activities and an end-in-itself due to the sense of independence it evokes (Hodge, 2008). Travel purposes in later life are usually divided into two: utilitarian and discretionary (Siren, Hjorthol, & Levin, 2015). The former refers to everyday activities such as shopping or health-related errands. The latter refers to activities related to leisure, social activities, visiting friends/family or other outdoor exercises. Whilst utilitarian activities are important to fulfil basic needs in old age, discretionary activities are essential for older individuals to be part of society in a meaningful way (ibid.). Overall, older people travel mostly for shopping and errands, for recreation, to obtain medical care and to attend religious activities (van den Berg, Arentze, & Timmermans, 2011; Siren & Haustein, 2013). As people get older, due to increase spare time, they travel significantly more for leisure purposes (Aguiar & Macário, 2017).