A framework for modelling spatial transport vulnerabilities for the older population in Malta

Abstract

In recent years, several countries around the world have continued to experience growing older populations. This increase is a reflection of social and economic progress. However it is also a major challenge in various sectors, including transport.

Transport is an essential infrastructure for older people to be independent and maintain a good quality of life. The current generations of older people are becoming more active and mobile, primarily due to the rapid increase in older drivers. However, the older population is also ageing in itself which means that the number of older-old people is increasing. Due to physiological changes associated with ageing, these usually suffer from limitations in their travel. Travel behaviour in later life is therefore very heterogeneous, and the determinants of mobility very complex.

Malta experienced a significant increase in its older population in recent years, is a country which suffers from very high car dependence and has the highest population density in Europe. Nevertheless, it is still an under-researched case study and mobility of older people is not given much consideration in transport policy. The aim of this study is to investigate the travel behaviour of older people in Malta and provide recommendations for independent mobility in later life. The research adopts a social psychological approach, using the Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour (TIB) as its underpinning framework. The research method employed to fulfil this aim is a telephone-based questionnaire survey with older people in Malta.

The aim of the study is primarily achieved through an understanding of the objective and psychological determinants of travel behaviour in later life. Clusters of older people are also developed to understand the differences and similarities between older road users and their implications for policy are discussed accordingly. The five top determinants that affect travel behaviour for older people in Malta are age, district, participation in social activities, occupation status and the presence of an assistive device. With regard to the psychological factors, travel behaviour of older people in Malta is mostly guided by their cognitive thinking i.e. intention. The latter is mostly affected by their social norms and self-concept. Although with a smaller impact than that of intention, habit and facilitating conditions are also positive significant factors predicting mobility in later life. The three clusters of older people in Malta are Complacent and Autonomous Younger-Old, Slightly Restrained Younger-Old and Pessimistic Limited-Mobility Older-Old. Significant differences emerge between these three clusters, even between the two composed of younger-old people.

The study also provides recommendations for more independent mobility in later life. These range from a reduction in the car use habit, an understanding of the psychological characteristics of travel behaviour and improvements in the public transport system to further cater for the mobility needs of older people. The introduction of new flexible transport services, road safety training courses, informal seminars and volunteer driving programmes in Malta is also discussed. Older people in Malta should also be provided with a more “facilitating” transport infrastructure and should be encouraged to participate further in social activities.