In a new three-year project, researchers at CTF, Service Research Center at Karlstad University, will develop new knowledge about elderly's travel habits. The purpose is to map factors that may be important for changed behavior and more sustainable travel habits among the elderly. The project has been awarded 4.7 million SEK by the Swedish Energy Agency, and will start in October.
Being able to meet the aging population's need for transport and meeting the demands for reduced environmental impact is one of society's major challenges. The group, over 65, is today healthier and more mobile compared to previous generations. There is currently insufficient knowledge to assess the potential for more sustainable travel among older people - knowledge necessary to influence any change of travel habits and to develop attractive alternatives to your own car.
"Knowledge of the elderly's habits is important in order to develop attractive and sustainable mobility services tailored to their needs. The goal is to increase the quality of life and participation of the elderly in society in a sustainable way", says project leader Lars E. Olsson, Associate Professor of Psychology.
In the project, researchers will analyze travel data collected in Sweden and in a number of European cities. The researchers will also conduct interviews with the elderly, over 84 years. A group that is often excluded in travel surveys. The purpose is to identify barriers for sustainable travel even in this group.
"We are pleased that the project has received funding over three years as it contributes to long-term competence building in the research area, both nationally and internationally," says Lars E. Olsson.
The project "Potential for Energy Efficient Travel in an Aging Population" is led by Professor Lars E. Olsson. Other contributors are Professor Margareta Friman and Katrin Lättman. The project is being carried out in collaboration with the European Network of Benchmarking in European Service of Public Transport (BEST) in cooperation with actors in Bergen, Copenhagen, Geneva, Helsinki, Rotterdam - The Hague, Oslo and Stockholm.
