Geographical Perspectives on Transport and Ageing

Due to increased life expectancy and better physical health, older people are on average more mobile compared with earlier generations. Although being in better health and physically fitter than previous generations, older adults are likely to be face difficulty when needing to travel. This can present challenges for the provision of transport services in view of changes in ability to use certain forms of transport, changes in lifestyle and income associated with later life. Despite this, policy and discourse in most western countries maintain extending independence and ageing in place as vital requirements to a dignified healthy later life. Transport must play a key role in this and proper investment in other modes and the public realm can improve mobility for older people.