Mobility

During his series of keynote presentations during the first phase of 'ActiveAge', Professor Joseph Coughlin of MIT AgeLab repeated his belief that mobility is the key to independent living. The Age Concern study, The Ageing World ? Issues for Older People, which was launched as part of the first phase of 'ActiveAge' underscores the importance of independence to the elderly. "Transportation is the glue" say Professor Coughlin. The ability to choose when and how to move adds choice to the much sought after independence. People who have independence and choice offer a powerful market opportunity, and being able to understand how they will exercise their choice, opens the door to both production and delivery opportunities.

With respect to transportation an opportunity therefore exists to explore how the market might exercise its choice; how transport providers might shape and channel their offerings and where technology can interface in terms of bringing user and provider closer together.

For more information about the programme's ongoing research activity in this or any of the other theme areas, please see the latest newsletters or contact the ActiveAge Team.