Seasonal differences in mobility and activity space in later life

A case study of older adults in the Northern Netherlands

Bibliographic Data

ID5717107
AuthorsLouise Meijering (0000-0003-0430-5373, University of Groningen, corresponding author), Tess Osborne (0000-0003-3323-8237, University of Groningen), Marlene Van Doorne (University of Groningen), Gerd Weitkamp (0000-0002-7367-8467, University of Groningen)
Year2024
Volume19
Issue4
Pages736-755
Publication date2024-07-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueMobilities (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1745-0101 • E-ISSN: 1745-011X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/17450101.2023.2289453
PMID39109233
OpenAlexW4389829257
LanguageEN
Citations received8
References cited71

Mobility is crucial for maintaining well-being in later life. Previous research has shown that older adults' mobility fluctuates throughout the day, with a particular focus on afternoon outdoor movement. This paper takes a broader approach and explores the seasonal differences and similarities in mobility and activity space in later life, using older adults in the Northern Netherlands as a case study. Seventeen older adults participated in the study, for which we used a mixed-methods approach combining GPS-, activity diaries, and in-depth interview data analysed through grounded visualisation. We have collected data from each participant for a week, once during fall/winter and once during summer. The findings of this paper defy common expectations around older adult mobility; for instance, the participants walked less in summer and had a larger activity space in winter. Equally, we demonstrate that it is crucial to distinguish between daily and incidental activity spaces, particularly when factoring in seasonal variations. Yet our mixed-methods approach revealed discrepancies between perceived and measured mobility and activity space. We argue that the intricate interplay of seasonal influences, weather conditions, and personal factors significantly shapes mobility practices in later life, underscoring the need for holistic planning of age-inclusive environments

Developmental psychology · Economic geography · Geography · Mobilities · Social science · Sociology · Computer Science · Demography · Health disparities and outcomes · Medicine · Migration, Aging, and Tourism Studies · Psychology · Urban Transport and Accessibility · Gerontology