Towards a capability approach to mobility : An analysis of disparities in mobility opportunities among older people

Abstract: Older people represent a greater proportion of the population than ever before. In Sweden, one in five is now aged 65 and above, and more than one in seven is aged 65-79. This demographic change has challenged and will challenge society, presenting sizeable tasks for the transport sector. These challenges have forced and will force us to question the ways in which we approach and tackle the policy, planning, design and provision of services for an expanding and ever-varying proportion of older people and a changing demographic composition. The focus for this thesis is on those aged 65-79. This age group represents those who are in the young-old life stage, or what can be described as the earlier stages of later life. This age range signifies the time during which most people transition from working life to retirement, adjusting to a different set of financial circumstances, a different set of daily activities and often, deteriorating health. Several studies have shown that, as people age, they tend to change the ways in which they travel. In the Nordic context in particular, there is a long history and large inventory of research concerning the travel of older people. However, few have approached such issues from a transport equity perspective – a perspective inherent in this thesis.The results from this thesis highlight the differences in potential mobility among the young-old living in Sweden’s large metropolitan regions. The methods used complement one another, and uncover concerns and connections which may have been hidden had just one type of method been used. The dissatisfaction and limitations that can arise from having insufficient modal options in later life are highlighted. Combining and coordinating transport services and the location and provision of other important services in an integrated manner could effect change with respect to the capability to carry out everyday activities of value for this age group.