 | Researchers target better transport systems for older people 14-10-2008 Safer and more effective transport for the elderly is high on the EU agenda,
and joining this effort are UK-based researchers who have identified a number of
measures that could change the way older people think about transport systems.
The 'Older People and Transport: Integrating Transport Planning Tools and User
Needs' study ran for a period of 10 months. The findings were discussed at the
BA Festival of Science in Liverpool last month.
Researchers from the University of Leeds and Leeds Metropolitan University
said the measures would help to eliminate many of the headaches older people
suffer from when dealing with the transport systems sector, including public
transport. The implementation of these latest simple and affordable measures
would give the elderly a much-needed boost in an era that often shuts them out;
they would give them a new lease on life.
The study showed that potential measures include, among others, introducing a
system of accredited standards for taxi companies, effectively reassuring the
elderly that they will be taken to their destination via the most direct route,
as well as designing bus interiors ensuring secure handholds are provided in
the wheelchair and buggy storage area.
A significant feature of the study was that it sought feedback from older
people themselves. Public health and transport engineering experts participated
in the study by offering key input. Ten focus groups were established which
successfully captured the first-hand experiences and views of the 81 older
people participating in the study.
Another interesting facet of the study is that the researchers accompanied
the elderly participants on various walks around local districts in Leeds. Doing
so gave the researchers a better idea of the transport difficulties the elderly
encounter on a daily basis. A proven challenge for older people is the
obstacles caused by badly parked cars and hedge trimmings left on the pavement.
What the researchers found at the end of the study was that the design
guidance currently available to planners of transport infrastructure and
services fails to consider the needs of older people.
The transport planning software used by local officials when developing
transport systems has restrictions, the researchers discovered. The software in
particular fails to take into account the length of time older people need to
complete journeys by foot and by public transport, the research team said.
It should be noted that training and awareness programmes for transport
workers catering to the needs of the elderly would make a huge impact. For
example, said the researchers, bus drivers should check that everyone is safely
seated before driving off.
'Older people want to use transport systems to help them maintain their
independence,' explained research coordinator Dr Greg Marsden. 'But it may only
take one bad or frightening experience on a bus or crossing a road to put them
off,' he added. 'Major changes are needed in the planning and delivery of
transport infrastructure and services, with older people consulted and their
needs taken more fully into account.'
The research team said it will continue to investigate how older people
succeed in making the transition from being dependent on cars to relying on
public transport as the years advance.
Source: European Commission DG Research LinksClick here to visit the project/research websiteUniversity of LeedsLeeds Metropolitan UniversityBA Festival of Science Files back |
