A literature review from Norway takes an older person’s view of transport equity and accessibility. Being able get out and about on a daily basis to shop, visit friends, and medical appointments is essential for everyone. As people age, this ability becomes even more important in terms of maintaining health and independence. The review proposes that local government implement universal design for mobility.
Older people who do not have access to private transport need to use public transport. Yet they face barriers in the built environment and public transportation infrastructure such as:
- Poorly built public vehicles and road systems
- Insecure and unsafe services
- Lack of wayfinding and walkability assistance
- Reduced accessible transportation options
- Undesirable attitudes of the general public.
The research paper covers the method for the literature review and the search terms used. A three tiered system is one way of solving the problem. First, a traditional fixed route service that suits people with no, or low level limitations. Second, fixed route services offering some flexibility with low floor buses. The third option is a special transport service. The bottom line is that a “one size fits all” is not the answer.
Implementing an equitable mobility design involves an integrated method to address the weaknesses of traditional design approaches. However, this requires a user-centred approach that involves older peoples’ requirements. Hence a universal design approach with co-design methods.
Several factors impact the mobility of older people: psychological state, health, and physical ability that can vary from day to day.
“Thus, for any public transportation system to achieve social inclusion or equity and equality its accessibility must be universal for everyone in society.”
Conclusions
The research paper compares policies and strategies in the UK, Canada and European countries. Investment at a local level is essential for features such as wind shelters, accessible vehicles, level footpaths, and appropriate ways to provide transport information.
Another paper that recommends that the design of public spaces should consider older people at the outset of the design. That is, they should involve older people in the design and redesign of pedestrian and walkway networks. The findings highlight how to employ universal design for mobility equity and compare mobility policies for older people.
The title of the paper is, Exploring mobility equity, equality, and accessibility for older people in the local environment.
From the abstract
People above 65 years of age often have limits to accessing the local environment and participation in society. Their ability to travel independently and freely to participate in society is crucial for their quality of life. The question of how to maintain mobility equity and equality for older people is, however, a complex one.
This is because older people are often faced with physical barriers around the public transportation and built environment. Municipalities have not involved older people in the design of mobility accessibility initiatives.
The findings from our study present factors influencing local environment in achieving mobility equity from the perspectives of older people. Evidence underpins guidelines grounded in a universal design framework to help inform urban transport policies.
Age Friendly Ecosystems: A book
This book examines age friendliness from a place-based approach. It looks at neighbourhoods, campuses and health environments. The topics covered are:
- Creating an Age-Friendly Environment Across the Ecosystem
- Age Friendliness as a Framework for Equity in Aging
- Age-Friendly Voices in the Pursuit of an Age-Friendly Ecosystem
- Age-Friendly Futures: Equity by Design
The book emphasises the connection between design and health, examines the age-friendly movement and resources for equity and environmental justice. The full title is, Age-Friendly Ecosystems for Equitable Aging by Design. This is not open access.