Premium
Transportation behaviours of older adults: An investigation into car dependency in urban Australia
Author(s) -
Buys Laurie,
Snow Stephen,
van Megen Kimberley,
Miller Evonne
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2011.00567.x
Subject(s) - public transport , trips architecture , social isolation , public health , dependency (uml) , private transport , business , mode of transport , sample (material) , focus group , population ageing , public policy , gerontology , population , psychology , environmental health , geography , transport engineering , medicine , economic growth , marketing , engineering , economics , chemistry , nursing , systems engineering , chromatography , psychotherapist
Aim: Increased car dependency among Australia's ageing population may result in increased social isolation and other health impacts associated with the cessation of driving. While public transport represents an alternative to car usage, patronage remains low among older cohorts. This study investigates the facilitators and barriers to public transport patronage and the nature of car dependence among older Australians. Methods: Data were gathered from a sample of 24 adults (mean age = 70 years) through a combination of quantitative (remote behavioural observation) and qualitative (interviews) investigation. Results: Findings suggest that relative convenience, affordability and health/mobility may dictate transport mode choices. The car is considered more convenient for the majority of suburban trips irrespective of the availability of public transport. Conclusion: Policy attention should focus on providing better education and information regarding driving cessation and addressing older age specific social aspects of public transport including health and mobility issues.