SMART-AGE advances the “15 Minute City Transition Pathway” by promoting a modal shift in the urban mobility of older adults (65+). The focus on this age group stems from the rapid ageing of the population. While the 15 Minute City model emphasizes active mobility and sustainable transport for everyday needs, interventions designed to support these values often fail to align with the abilities, needs, and preferences of older adults. Barriers that older people face in using smart and shared mobility services remain insufficiently understood. Furthermore, policy measures aimed at discouraging private car ownership may inadvertently increase the risk of social isolation among this group.
SMART-AGE is an interdisciplinary research project that integrates transport management, social gerontology, economics, and law to address mobility challenges experienced by older adults. It contributes to socio economic sustainability, understood as the creation of an inclusive urban space for all. The project provides guidelines for inclusive policymaking that safeguards mobility for older citizens. It amplifies their voices by uncovering the diverse factors that contribute to car dependence and the conditions required to enable behavioural change. At the same time, it bridges the gap between older adults and service providers, allowing the latter to adapt their services to the needs of an ageing population.
SMART-AGE aims to promote sustainable mobility in ageing urban environments through the following scientific objectives:
- Support integrated policymaking and provide evidence for reducing car dependence while maintaining accessibility.
Quantitative objective
• A policy analysis and best practice guide based on in depth case studies in at least 12 municipalities across 4 regions.
Qualitative objective
• A toolbox enabling (local) authorities to evaluate the effectiveness and proportionality of car discouragement policies. - Provide scientific insights for viable business models for transport providers tailored to ageing populations.
Quantitative objective
• A supply side analysis and best practice guide based on 36 case studies (3 per municipality in at least 12 municipalities across 4 regions).
Qualitative objective
• A toolbox for sustainable and viable mobility business models. - Generate scientific knowledge to empower older citizens in navigating mobility transitions and actively involve them in the research process to identify their needs and preferences.
Quantitative objectives
• A needs assessment and best practice guide based on 36 case studies (3 per municipality in at least 12 municipalities across 4 regions).
• Engagement of at least 1,800 older adults, for example through mobility walks.
Qualitative objectives
• A validated protocol for building and measuring mobility profiles.
• A protocol for participatory approaches.
• Insight into the specific needs of older adults in urban mobility.
• Ensuring active participation and meaningful contribution from older adults.
Perspectives Integrated in the Research
- Local stakeholders: Co-created toolkits will enable municipalities, mobility providers, and organisations representing older adults to implement age friendly mobility policies and services.
- Transport sector: Business models and policy recommendations will support the participation of older adults in sustainable transport options and help providers tap into a growing user group.
- EU policy framework: Recommendations and outcomes will inform EU level policy, particularly in areas related to mobility access, ageing in place, and sustainability.
Dissemination
- Workshops and conferences: Findings will be presented at transport policy conferences and shared during consortium workshops.
- Publications: Peer reviewed articles will disseminate insights to the academic community.
- Policy briefs: Accessible summaries of research results will be produced for policymakers.