Growing Old and Keep Mobile in Italy. Active Ageing and the Importance of Urban Mobility Planning Strategies.

Abstract

The world is facing a series of changes that will modify the way we envisage urban transport planning. The demographic switch coupling higher life expectancy and lower fertility rates is occurring all around the world. While ageing is indeed a triumph of development and increased longevity is perceived as one of humanity’s greatest achievements, the phenomenon and its transition in society need to be managed. The rapid increase of the elderly group means profound changes which require solutions at various levels. The World Health Organization has established a path towards Active ageing, and it is within this strategy that this paper aims at analyzing the role of mobility as an enabler of active ageing. While mobility in general is very important, it was decided to concentrate on urban mobility, as cities are, by definition, the place where people benefit from urbanization economies and where transport plans are put in place. An increase of age, health and economic conditions determine the possibility to enjoy urbanization economics more and for longer time. Yet such fruition is determined by the accessibility to such places or services. It is for this reason, among others, that urban mobility planning is such a relevant tool that could lead towards a switch of paradigm towards more friendly and inclusive (for seniors and not only) urban environments.