Viewpoints on mobility and participation in old age

Background/Aim\: Community mobility supports participation in a range of activities. Considering older people’s community mobility, the car is described as the ultimate mode of transport\; but public transport also works well. However, knowledge is limited related to factors that influence mobility, and thereby participation in activities outside the home. Since participation is a subjective concept, further knowledge from an insider’s perspective is needed. Consequently, the aim of this study was to identify and describe viewpoints on mobility and participation in old age. Methods\: A Q-methodology study was conducted with 36 participants, including men and women, as well as drivers and non-drivers. A Q-sort pack of 45 statements was generated. Participants sorted the statements along a most to least continuum, indicating their current habitual situation of mobility and participation in activities outside the home. Results\: Three factors\; i.e., viewpoints, were found and assigned content- describing denominations\; viz. “Prefer being mobile by car, “Prefer being mobile by public transport” and “Prefer flexible mobility”. Conclusions\: Irrespective of which mode of transport the participants preferred to use and currently used, they were satisfied with their actual participation in activities outside the home. However, those who preferred to use public transport participated less and, consequently, were less satisfied with their possibilities to participate in activities outside the home. The existing demand-responsive Special Transportation Systems was not considered to be an attractive enough alternative by any of the participants. Intermediate community mobility options are thus needed for those who can no longer drive or use public transport.