Mobility costly for older people
A new report on the obstacles facing older people in getting about and accessing local services has found that they have to bear the brunt of all costs and that this restricts mobility.
The report is based on local case studies that include situations where older people have to travel some distance to shop and use services.
It finds that residential areas lacking proper means of mobility result in older people having to spend more on getting around and being in greater need of assistance. Older people need more assistance the harder it is for them to be mobile.
The report notes that social services have much information on the needs of older residents and problems concerning mobility. It suggests that such information should be compiled for use in technical and land use planning.