Abstract
We investigated the travel behavior of the elderly in two United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO Heritage Cities in Malaysia, George Town and Malacca, to assess the commonalities and differences in the mobility of the elderly and to analyze the factors influencing the mobility of the elderly. We relied upon a one-day travel diary where the elderly recorded their trip information including trip category, mode of travel, and distance travelled. A total of 455 travel diaries were completed and analyzed using descriptive analysis and Poisson estimation with the number of trips as the dependent variable. We found that the elderly in both cities recorded no more than five trips per day, travelled mostly within a distance of five kilometers, and chose private transportation as their preferred mode of transportation. Factors statistically significantly influencing the elderly’s trip frequency included location (city), education level, private vehicle ownership, health condition, and engagement in exercise. Findings from this study suggest that authorities need to strategize transportation planning to encourage mobility among the elderly without compromising the heritage status of both cities.
Highlights
Like many other countries, Malaysia is experiencing a demographic shift in the population, with those aged 65 years and above increasing rapidly and projected to increase to 14.5% of the population in 2040 from 5% in 2010 [1]
We used descriptive analysis to answer the first research question, “what are the similarities or differences of elderly travelling in Malacca City and George Town?” We found substantial differences between elderly travel in the two heritage cities
The elderly in Malacca City chose to travel longer, even among the O-O age group who travelled more than five kilometers per day
Summary
Malaysia is experiencing a demographic shift in the population, with those aged 65 years and above increasing rapidly and projected to increase to 14.5% of the population in 2040 from 5% in 2010 [1]. Studies on traveling and quality of life are important especially in the context of elderly mobility so that responses and policies can be appropriately addressed. Malacca City and George Town in Malaysia have implemented measures to address sustainability issues for World Heritage Sites status and to improve the quality of life of its people. In 2018, Penang reported a 28.4% increase in tourists [17] while Malacca reported a 32% increase [18] Both cities currently face challenges related to urbanization and adhering to the requirements of a World Heritage Site in protecting the cities outstanding universal value (OUV), created by the exceptional qualities of the cities’ cultural and natural heritage [19]. This study was conducted to answer two research questions (RQ): (1) What are the similarities and differences in elderly travel in Malacca City and George Town? (2) What are the factors that affect elderly travel in both cities?
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