Abstract
Modal choice is a prominent concept within transport studies. However, the term is often used quite loosely, with little known about the factors lying behind the choice, the alternatives available to a person, and whether the person had a ‘choice’ to begin with. This study draws on a travel survey among older people living in Sweden’s large metropolitan regions. The questions posed as part of this survey facilitate a greater insight into the processes at play behind modal choice. An analysis of the differences between: (1) the range of modal options available to respondents and (2) the modes selected from this range (modal choice) is presented. An analysis of the respondents’ reasoning for choosing the modes they did and not the others they could have chosen is also presented. It was found that more than a quarter of respondents have the option to use and actually use all modes for everyday travel. The car is more inclined to be selected among those who have a range of different modal options. Suitability and comfort are the two main reasons given for modal choice. More positive reasons are given for actively selecting walking and cycling, whereas the motives behind the selection of the car instead tend to be framed as reasons for not selecting other modes. Adaptive preference and adjustment effects are also apparent in the selection processes. This study gives us a deeper understanding of the intricate mechanisms and reasoning at play behind the process of modal choice among this group. In this way, we have a better basis for shaping and implementing measures to promote and encourage sustainable mobility, in such a way that the well-being of older people is also supported.
Highlights
IntroductionThe importance of having the possibility to participate in society while ageing has been studied and documented in several different contexts [1,2,3,4], as has the intrinsic value of mobility in itself [1]
This study examines the process from potential to realized mobility among older people, with a specific focus on modal choice
This study draws on a capability-based travel survey among older people and living in Sweden’s large metropolitan regions; Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö
Summary
The importance of having the possibility to participate in society while ageing has been studied and documented in several different contexts [1,2,3,4], as has the intrinsic value of mobility in itself [1]. Having the possibility to participate in various out-of-home activities has been found to be central for well-being outcomes during the later stages of life [5,6]. This makes exploring the potential means of getting to these activities a key societal concern. Public Health 2020, 17, 691; doi:10.3390/ijerph17030691 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
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