Mobility Strand
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The ActiveAge Programme focuses on four main themes and mobility is one of them. In what follows you'll find our latest thoughts on the mobility theme, and links to some interesting transport projects we've come across in the UK and elsewhere. For the elderly transport and personal mobility is an essential link to friends, family, social and recreational activities ? a vital lifeline to maintaining an independent lifestyle. Limited mobility prevents older people from participating in social activities and, research shows can lead to low morale and depression with consequent health and social care implications. Whilst an ageing population is often portrayed as a developing social issue and potential financial burden upon the community, it also represents a major commercial opportunity in responding to the transport and mobility needs of the elderly. As they become pensioners the 'baby boomer' generation will have a profound impact on patterns of transportation and mobility. In some respects they will create particular market needs and niches, but more fundamentally because of their increasing numerical, economic and political importance they will play an increasing role in shaping the marketplace. They are likely to have high expectations and will expect to exercise choices on transport and mobility provision. The Mobility strand will explore how what and those choices might be exercised, how transport providers might respond, and how technology can assist the interface between user and provider. Through its Mobility strand the ActiveAge programme is bringing together cutting edge transport and technology expertise, from government, academia and the corporate sector to focus on the mobility needs of the elderly, and the development of appropriate products and services to support these. Three main areas have been identified for initial research and development: - assistive technology and intelligent transport systems, - ICT supporting the customised delivery of public transport, and - personal mobility aids for the elderly These areas may be added to or amended as new partners with particular research or product interests join the ActiveAge programme. There will also be joint working across other strands of ActiveAge, particularly with the Wellbeing strand.
April Research Radar Through its Research Radar the ActiveAge team monitor emerging research and product development of relevance to the elderly. Two current mobility examples are developments in personalised rapid transit and the introduction in England of free bus travel for the elderly. Personalised Rapid Transit ... becoming a transport reality For so long the stuff of science fiction the concept of PRT, emission free, driverless pods for 3-4 passengers, running on monorails is becoming a transport reality. After lengthy research into PRTs potential two new developments will put this into operation. At Heathrow Airport's newly opened Terminal 5 a PRT system is being introduced on a track between T5 and the Business Car Park with 18 battery powered vehicles operating by end 2008 and further extensions of track to follow. http://www.ultraprt.com/heathrow.htm The first 'citywide' PRT system has been planned for Masdar in Abu Dhabi as part of their zero carbon community. A 6million sq metre community, with 100 'stations' it is scheduled to be completed by 2015. http://uaeinteract.com/docs/The_transport_of_tomorrow_/27391.htm The potential implications for ActiveAge are that this technology would be ideally suited to the needs of the elderly, particularly for transportation in retirement communities. It links to the ActiveAge Mobility strand of work on assistive technology in the design of vehicles. Free Bus Travel for Pensioners in England From April pensioners in England are entitled to free off peak travel on local bus services across the country. http://www.npcuk.org/briefings/B33FreeBustravel.doc.This follows similar initiatives in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. The system operates through Smart Cards issued to pensioners, which are ITSO compliant www.itso.org.uk/ The implications for ActiveAge are likely to be the increase in demand for bus transport by the elderly ? and how operators will need to respond to this, and the accelerated application of the use of smart cards for travel. It links closely to the ActiveAge Mobility strand of work on customised delivery of public transport. Further Information If you are interested in participating in the mobility strand of ActiveAge or wish to learn more about activities on the programme contact BusinessLab Adviser, Peter Cockhead on pcockhead@businesslab.co.uk Return to Areas of Interest |
