Age, transport, and technology: A survey of older Queenslanders

Abstract

In late 2018- early 2019, the authors of this paper implemented the ‘Aging Adults, Transport, and Technology Survey.’ The survey gathered data on the travel behaviours and preferences of Queenslanders over 65, including their use of transport-related technologies. We received 634 completed responses. This paper summarises and discusses the results of the survey. While the sample is representative of the populations’ with regards to gender and ethnicity, it skews heavily towards younger age cohorts (65-75) and people residing in Southeast Queensland. We found that non-drivers and infrequent drivers make significantly fewer social trips than more frequent drivers. Respondents preferring public transport, rides from other household members, or walking to visit friends and family made significantly fewer visits than those who are able to drive. It is particularly concerning to find evidence of social exclusion among non-drivers in this survey considering the sample skews towards people living in urbanised areas with relatively robust transport networks. Additionally, we found that non-drivers and people over 75 are significantly less likely to own smartphones than their younger, driving counterparts. The implication is that any transport or real time information service that requires the ownership of a smartphone will almost certainly exclude many older non-drivers and people over 75. New transport modes requiring the use of a smartphone are unlikely to solve the mobility issues and transport-related social exclusion facing older Queenslanders.