Mobility, accessibility and quality of later life

Abstract

Older people are more active and fit than previous generations. Hence, they are more mobile than ever. However, they continue to suffer a reduction in quality of life when giving-up driving. This paper reports research carried out to identify the role of mobility and accessibility in older people"s self-reported quality of life, through an in-depth examination of older people"s travel needs. A wholly qualitative approach, utilising a variety of data collection methods including focus groups, interview and diary completion, was employed with 57 people aged over 65 in the UK, of which 26 were drivers and 31 had recently given-up driving. The findings emphasise the importance of mobility for accessing services and shops. However, the reasons why older people travel and the importance of mobility go beyond accessibility to include the desire for independence, control, maintaining status, inclusion, "normalness" and travel for its own sake. These are all related to an individual"s perception of quality of life. When older people give-up driving their self-reported quality of life is reduced and this seems very much related to a reduction in affective and aesthetic qualities of mobility that a car affords that walking and using public transport lacks. It is suggested that policy and practice needs to consider such motives for travel.

Examining the process of driving cessation in later life

“…It is not just a reduction in the ability to fulfil day to day needs as conveniently and quickly as possible that is missed when giving-up driving, but also an affective component including reduced independence and status and of being out of step with societal norms and roles (Musselwhite and Haddad 2010b). The car is linked to identity, self-esteem, autonomy, and prestige (Ellaway et al 2003;Guiver 2007;Steg 2005).…”

“…For older people in particular, driving is linked to personal identity and is associated with masculinity, youthfulness, status and power and it can be seen as a way of 'warding off old age' (Eisenhandler 1990;Siren and Hakamies-Blomqvist 2005). The car also fulfils another level of needs identified by Musselwhite and Haddad (2010b) in that older people travel for its own sake, to 'get out of the house', to visit nature, the sea and to test their own skills. This leads to what is viewed as discretionary travel, the needs of which are hardly met at all following giving-up driving (Musselwhite and Haddad 2010b).…”

“…The car also fulfils another level of needs identified by Musselwhite and Haddad (2010b) in that older people travel for its own sake, to 'get out of the house', to visit nature, the sea and to test their own skills. This leads to what is viewed as discretionary travel, the needs of which are hardly met at all following giving-up driving (Musselwhite and Haddad 2010b).…”

“…The negative effects of a lack of mobility associated with driving cessation can to an extent be mitigated by the availability of lifts from family and friends or through the availability of alternative and accessible modes of transport (Musselwhite and Haddad 2010b). However, psychological barriers affect the usage of these alternatives, with for example, older people not wanting to feel a burden to others and not being able to reciprocate lifts given (Taylor and Tripodes 2001).…”

“…However, psychological barriers affect the usage of these alternatives, with for example, older people not wanting to feel a burden to others and not being able to reciprocate lifts given (Taylor and Tripodes 2001). In addition, geographical barriers effect the willingness of people to provide lifts and the availability of viable public or community transport (Musselwhite and Haddad 2010b).…”