Everyday Mobility of Elderly People in Different Urban Settings: The Example of the City of Bonn, Germany

Abstract

The social model for old age is a self-determined and socially integrated life for as long as possible. In this regard, different settings offer different conditions. The article investigates which living conditions best meet the needs of elderly people. It is based on results from the FRAME (leisure mobility of elderly people) research project, which examines the everyday mobility of persons aged 60 and older in different urban settings. The results show that an active lifestyle is possible in all the study areas, but that the preconditions for withdrawal into one's own neighbourhood vary between different residential areas. In general, the importance of basic supply resources and leisure facilities within the residential environment and a preferably railbound public transport connection to the city centre need to be pointed out.