Transport Modes and an Aging Society

We live in an ageing society. Across the globe, people are living longer and coupled with a lower birth rate the percentage of older people is increasing in number. Mobility is important to older people (Schlag, Schwenkhagen and Trankle, 1996) and a lack of mobility is linked to poorer health and wellbeing and increases in depression and loneliness (Fonda, Wallace & Herzog, 2001; Ling and Mannion, 1995). However, older people's mobility needs are often not met. This paper looks at barriers and enablers to mobility for an ageing population in terms of active travel, public transport and community and government regulations and societal norms. comprehensive strategy bringing together the different stakeholder needs with a focus on aging is required. Overall, walking and cycling for older people must be given greater priority among decision-makers. Provision of services for older people needs to take these elements into account. Crucial to public and community transport use is a mix of people and infrastructure-based support. At the active travel level, infrastructure is crucial to support walking and cycling