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Mobility and out-of-home activities of older people living in suburban environments: ‘Because I'm a driver, I don't have a problem'

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 February 2014

ELISABETH ZEITLER  and
LAURIE BUYS
ELISABETH ZEITLER*
Affiliation:
Creative Industries, School of Design, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
LAURIE BUYS
Affiliation:
Creative Industries, School of Design, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
*
Address for correspondence: Elisabeth Zeitler, Creative Industries, School of Design, Queensland University of Technology, Gardens Point Campus, 2 George Street, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia. E-mail: elisabeth.zeitler@qut.edu.au
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Abstract

Governments are challenged by the need to ensure that ageing populations stay active and engaged as they age. Therefore, it is critical to investigate the role of mobility in older people's engagement in out-of-home activities, and to identify the experiences they have within their communities. This research investigates the use of transportation by older people and its implications for their out-of-home activities within suburban environments. The qualitative, mixed-method approach employs data collection methods which include a daily travel diary (including a questionnaire), Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking and semi-structured interviews with older people living in suburban environments in Brisbane, Australia. Results show that older people are mobile throughout the city, and their car provides them with that opportunity to access desired destinations. This ability to drive allows older people to live independently and to assist others who do not drive, particularly where transport alternatives are not as accessible. The ability to transport goods and other people is a significant advantage of the private car over other transport options. People with no access to private transportation who live in low-density environments are disadvantaged when it comes to participation within the community. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between transportation and participation within the community environment, to assist policy makers and city and transportation planners to develop strategies for age-friendly environments within the community.

Keywords

mobilityolder peopleout-of-home activityparticipationGlobal Positioning System (GPS)
Type
Articles
Information
Ageing & Society , Volume 35 , Issue 4 , April 2015 , pp. 785 - 808
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2014 

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