Elderly personal mobility patterns as influenced by area of residence : a case study of Sliema and Qrendi

Abstract

The number of old people world wide will rise by 88 percent in the next 25 years causing an imbalance in our demographic structure. This calls for an accurate evaluation of the geographical repercussions of this phenomenon. Literature on the demographic aspects abounds but geographical issues and their effects on this age group seem to be missing. This study concentrates on one geographical aspect - area of residence and its effects on the personal mobility of the elderly. By investigating two distinct case studies, a town and a village, my study investigates the possible effects of the area of residence on personal mobility. The hypothesis states that distinct areas of residence will produce different elderly personal mobility patterns. It has emerged that the character of the area of residence, morphology, topography, provisions of services and culture all effect personal mobility. The diverse character of the two case studies has showed that car availability, choice of mode of travel and problems encountered differ between the two case studies. The urbanised and service oriented character of Sliema has manifested a decrease in car ownership amongst the older age groups, a higher patronage of the public transport and also a higher percentage of mobility problems. On the other hand the traditional village of Qrendi enhances car availability and encourages the use of the bicycle and motorcycle due to its rural character and lesser traffic problems. Levels of street safety and the problems encountered by the elderly in the use of public transport is another case in point which may discourage the elderly from remaining self-sufficient. The findings of the questionnaire has shown that three trends are likely to affect the personal mobility of future generations. The larger amount of car drivers, the increasing number of supermarkets and the weaker family ties will all affect elderly personal mobility patterns.