Developing A Model of Mobility Capital for An Ageing Population

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology
• Transportation Studies

Background:

• Driving cessation negatively impacts older adults' health and well-being.
• Mobility is crucial for older adults' independence and quality of life.
• Societal structures often prioritize car-dependent transportation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how older adults cope with driving cessation.
• To identify barriers and enablers to mobility for older adults no longer driving.
• To apply Bourdieu's theory of capital to understand post-driving mobility challenges.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of older adults' experiences with driving cessation.
• Application of Bourdieu's theory of capital (infrastructure, social, cultural, individual) to categorize mobility factors.
• Examination of coping strategies in a hypermobile society.

Main Results:

• Infrastructure capital (e.g., transport services, finance) and social capital (e.g., family support) were the most frequently cited factors influencing mobility.
• Cultural capital (e.g., societal norms) and individual capital (e.g., personal resilience) also played significant roles.
• Older adults utilize various strategies to adapt to life without a car.

Conclusions:

• Effective support for older adults post-driving cessation requires addressing multiple forms of capital.
• Policy and practice should focus on enhancing infrastructure, social networks, cultural inclusivity, and individual adaptive capacities.
• A holistic approach is needed to ensure continued mobility and well-being for older populations.