Future of an Ageing Population

Travel habits change over the life course (see Figure 7.2). The 50-59 age group
travel nearly 30% more than the average across all age groups, while the 60-69
age group travel fewer miles but still more than average. For these age groups,
the challenge is not to improve their mobility but to ensure that the transport
options are suitable given the physical, cognitive, and financial challenges that
individuals in these age groups can experience. Those aged 70 and over travel
significantly less, covering only 64% of the miles of the average across all ages,
with much of this travel being for shopping or visiting friends.
100
Percentage change in size of settlement (%)
80
60
40
20
0
-20
0-14 15-29 30-49 50-69 70+ All ages
Age (years)
Settlement type:
Major Cities Large Cities Small Cities Large Towns
Small Towns and Rural
Figure 7.3: Projected percentage change in size of age groups, 2012-2037 for five settlement
size groups 209 .
The 50-59 and 60-69 age groups may travel more partly for commuting and
business reasons, but also because they are more likely to live in rural areas
and towns than large or major cities 210 . People aged 50 and over comprise
approximately 50% of the population of small towns and rural areas with the
number and proportion projected to increase by 2037 (see Figure 7.3).
In 2014, 62% of those over the age of 70 had a driving license 211 . Owned
cars are the most common mode of transport for older people (see Figure
7.4). This reliance on car use means that loss of car access can have severe
consequences, and losing access to a car (whether as driver or passenger) has
similar long-term effects as losing a spouse or job in terms of contraction of
social networks and reduction in wellbeing 212 . A 2012 survey found that 67% of
those living in rural areas without access to a car said that they were restricted
in their participation in community activities, and over 25% reported that they
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