Travel declines with age. People aged over 80 make less than half the number of journeys of those aged 50-54. There is an even greater reduction in total distance travelled. Shopping and personal business trips(LINK) become proportionally more significant, whilst seniors often favour walking for short trips or recreation.
As the largest user group of the NHS, seniors views on hospital transport are explored in Eastleigh Southern Parishes Older Persons Forum's report, Sic transit…….
Seniors use a variety of modes of transport, but are generally less likely to be driving a car and more likely to be a passenger, than other adults of driving age. Instead, seniors show greater usage of buses and coaches. Preferences for particular modes of transport tended to be driven by ease of use.
In Southampton, seniors who do not live alone are much more likely to have transport than seniors who are living alone.
Driving license holding among seniors has risen in recent years, but is particularly low for women aged 70 and over.
Almost three quarters of seniors travel into Southampton city centre by bus. Perhaps affecting their frequency of travel, seniors are less likely than other age groups to feel safe in the city.
Eastleigh Southern Parishes Older People's Forum also carried out a study on travel
concessions, Missing the Bus, finding that travel concession were highly valued, particularly as
a third of respondents to the survey did not have a car.
A major barrier to seniors going out is fear of falling over. Between April and September 2007,
Southampton City Primary Care Trust admitted 489 people aged over 65 relating to falls.
Seniors consistently cite lack of public toilet provision as a barrier to them getting out and
about.