Future of an Ageing Population

Future of an Ageing Population | Physical, Social and Technological Connectivity
Isolation affects all age groups, but is often associated with later life. Social
connections are a key dimension of a good later life. Improving the factors that
facilitate social connection, such as transport, also bring other benefits to the
ageing population, such as access to services. Initiatives to promote social
interaction can include: inter-generational projects; good neighbour schemes;
improving provision of transport and access; and projects that address fear of
crime, and incorporate security-conscious design features 205 .
Policy Implication
Connectivity will be increasingly crucial to the health and wellbeing of
the ageing population. It should be considered in a holistic way which
includes physical mobility, transport, the built environment, the virtual
world and the physical-virtual intersection.
7.2 Physical connectivity including transport
Mobility is not just important for practical reasons, but helps to facilitate
social networks and promote identity and self-esteem 206 . It can also help fulfil
people’s more aesthetic needs, such as visiting nature, travelling and leaving
the house for its own sake 207 . However, most transport provision for older
people centres on improving mobility for practical reasons 207 .
9
Distance travelled (thousands of miles)
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
50-59 60-69 70+
Age (years)
Purpose of travel:
Commuting/business
Shopping
Visit friends
Holiday
Other
Survey of
17,000 people
Figure 7.2: Miles travelled per person per year by age and purpose, England, 2014 208 .
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