Abstract
This paper focuses on the question of how digital technologies are differentially embedded in day-to-day practices and associated with mobility and health of older citizens. The motivation is to look for evidence that helps us anticipate opportunities and barriers of digital technologies and innovative transport services in enhancing independent living, social inclusion, health and well-being in ageing societies. Using the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), we identify six groups with different day-to-day leisure practices and find that the use of digital technology (Internet use, smart phones) is associated with higher frequencies of out-of-home activities. Barriers associated with lower levels of engagement include health-related restrictions, the same barriers that also prevent patronage of public transport. Although digital technology use has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of skills, access to equipment and health problems contribute to a continued Digital Divide. We conclude that the digitalisation of both public and transport services is unlikely to support independent living for all by itself and could indeed exacerbate existing inequalities. Instead, addressing issues of exclusion among less active, mobility-restricted groups require targeted service designs that respond to differential health and skills-related barriers in using digital technologies.
Highlights
Mobility, the ability to move freely in pursuit of out-of-home activities, is critical to one’s independence, well-being and quality of life (Barr 2018; Musselwhite 2018)
We consider the frequency of out-of-home leisure activities, examine the associated use of digital technology and observe choices and attitudes related to travel given different health conditions. We review how these dynamics have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic and what these trends might imply for digital inclusion and social partici pation in later life
Viewed alongside the relationships with Internet use frequency, these clusters are at risk of further exclusion, both physically and virtually, as forms of mobility become increasingly dependent on digital technology
Summary
The ability to move freely in pursuit of out-of-home activities, is critical to one’s independence, well-being and quality of life (Barr 2018; Musselwhite 2018). As numerous studies have shown, limited opportunity to travel can negatively affect health and well-being, in particular when lack of mobility results in unmet social needs, lack of physical activity and inadequate access to key services, such as retail opportunities and health care facilities (Boniface et al, 2015; Lucas 2012, 2019; Ziegler and Schwanen 2011) These issues are amplified for older age groups, since a primary factor that contributes to reduced mobility and in turn social exclusion and isolation is the loss of the ability to drive (Pachana et al, 2016; Musselwhite and Scott 2019). Alternative transport solutions that can meet the mobility needs of those that are unable to drive are vital for improving health and inclusion in later life (Crotti et al, 2020)
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