Linking people and activities through community mobility: an international comparison of the mobility patterns of older drivers and non-drivers

Abstract

Community mobility using private and public transportation is important for maintaining health, social participation and living well in later life. This international cross-sectional cohort study (N = 246) reported on the health and driving status of older adults from seven countries where the mobility patterns of drivers and non-drivers were compared in terms of city and rural areas, weather, as well as their respective differences in the number of out-of-home places accessed and quality of life. Older adults participated in a semi-structured interview and completed four standardised instruments: the EQ-5D-5L, modified PULSES health profile, modified Transportation Questionnaire, and the Transport – Participation in Activities and Places Outside the Home. Results suggested inclement weather and place of residence negatively impacted out-of-home activities but did not increase use of public transportation. Drivers accessed more out-of-home activities than non-drivers, suggesting higher community participation among this group, and quality of life was generally high among all participants, but slightly higher for drivers. Findings indicate that a complex myriad of factors can influence community mobility in older adults and further investigations are needed to understand patterns of transport in later life, particularly with regard to those factors that promote and maintain transport mobility, and relationships between transport mobility, community participation and quality of life.

The health equity characteristics of research exploring the unmet community mobility needs of older adults: a scoping review

“…The term'life space' , as used in gerontology, relates to mobility and navigating outside one's home to reach the places where participation in the community unfolds [9] The construct of community as defined by an individual, implies freedom of association and locational choices [10]. Thus, community mobility comprises navigating of life space in order to reach places that are meaningful, fostering a sense of belonging, and supporting social participation [11] by engaging in occupations that are of value to the person [12]. Community mobility is a key determinant of health and quality of life [13] that can be affected by a wide variety of factors ranging from personal, internal factors to external and global factors.…”

Physical Activity Among Older Women Living in Rural Areas in Canada: A Scoping Review

“…For example, Kaplan and Newsome (2001) and Merchant et al, (2007) propose that the east-to-west gradient in physical activity levels in Canada is related to a more temperate climate in British Columbia (western Canada), as well as other cultural and environmental differences (Kipp et al, 2019). Additional studies suggest that older adults in rural and remote regions are vulnerable to severe weather conditions (Chan & Ryan, 2009), and seasonal (Turrisi et al, 2021) and climatic changes (Kipp et al, 2019), with obvious implications for transportation and travel (Unsworth et al, 2021). An extensive review of unmet travel needs by Luiu et al, (2017) found that at least one-third of older people, especially women and adults 75 years old and above, were affected by limited transportation options.…”

“…Government/policy related level of influence The comparison of the mobility patterns of older adults by Unsworth et al, (2021) attests to the complexity and interconnections embedded in providing adequate transportation and infrastructure to support active living for older adults. At a neighbourhood level, local government initiatives are critical (Dechaine & Witcher, 2007), and may involve clearing sidewalks of snow build-up and debris during winter (Belon et al, 2014), extending access to recreational facilities (Belon et al, 2014), maintaining and expanding physical activity opportunities (Paluck et al, 2006), and financial assistance and sponsorship for small community-based organisations (Paluck et al, 2006).…”

“…Mair et al, (2019) conclude that many options for physical activity are constrained by various conditions of rurality (choice, access, distance), with the use of recreational facilities influenced by local area characteristics, independent of the characteristics of local population (Riva et al, 2007). For Belon et al, (2014) and Unsworth et al, (2021), rural and remote regions are also shaped by the socio-cultural, economic, and political environments, and revealed by the existing expertise of individuals and communities.…”

“…Along similar lines, Brooks-Cleator and Giles (2016) recommend that multi-sectoral organisational partners collaborate with older adults at all stages of the policy cycle to develop age-friendly policies in Canada's North West Territories. And according to Skinner and McCrillis (2019), and Unsworth et al, (2021), community and transport mobility, community participation, and quality of life are important collaborative considerations for transportation policies at a larger regional level.…”