Mobility characteristics of the elderly: A case for Seoul Metropolitan Area

Abstract

The ageing population is accelerating around the world. There exists the increasing need for transportation policies and strategies focusing on the mobility of the elderly. This paper analyzed mobility characteristics of the elderly using the 2010 Household Travel Survey data in Seoul Metropolitan Area. In particular, ordered probit models for trip frequencies are developed to identify key factors influencing elderly's travel, considering socio-demographic as well as land use variables. Then, the model results were compared between the elderly and non-elderly groups, and among the distinct three elderly groups (65-69, 70-74, and 75+). Overall, we found distinctively different socio-demographic variables such as household size, car ownership, age, gender, employment status, and occupation affecting total trips, work trips, and non-work trips between the elderly and non-elderly groups. In addition, land use variables showed significant impacts on elderly's travel. Among them, social welfare facilities, sports facilities, and medical facilities were positively related to non-work trips of the elderly.