Selected Urban Mobility Issues of the Elderly:The Polish Experience

Purpose: The main objective of this study is to determine the specificity and scope of urban mobility solutions for older people in Poland in the face of demographic change and population ageing and the development of the Silver Economy. Design/Methodology/Approach: To achieve the main objective of the article, mainly secondary sources of information were used. Literature on population ageing and the Silver Economy as well as on transport management and urban mobility was analysed. In addition, statistical data from Eurostat, Statistics Poland and Ministry of Family and Social Policy of the Republic of Poland were used in the study. An in-depth analysis was also carried out of a number of reports from national and international institutions in the field of mobility, urban traffic studies and consultancy firms and expert opinions in the area. The author analysed national legal acts as well as documents concerning the situation of older people in Poland. Findings: The results of the survey indicate that in Poland, where the proportion of older people in the country's population is over 25%, their situation is of interest to the public and other stakeholders. The country enacts legislation regulating a number of issues relevant to maintaining a good quality of life for seniors, while their situation is monitored and relevant information is provided by the government on an annual basis, including to both chambers of parliament. Poland is also developing a Silver Economy, encompassing the manufacture of a range of products and services to meet the needs of the elderly, including, among others, medical and rehabilitation products and as well as care services, recreation and transport services. There are a considerable number of initiatives in the area of transport solutions for senior citizens. The use of public transport services and the convenience of travel for the elderly are promoted through the introduction of low-floor modes of transport in many cities, the development of passenger information systems, the integration of transport modes, the modernisation of bus stop facilities or even free travel offered to senior citizens. Many local initiatives supporting the mobility of older people are also implemented within the framework of multiannual programmes, and transport services for older people are also included as a component of a package of medical or rehabilitation services for senior citizens. Practical Implications: An analysis of secondary sources made it possible to identify practical implications concerning selected aspects of the mobility behaviour of older people in Poland against the background of the experience of other countries. Such an approach is important for finding solutions for the future, bearing in mind that, as time goes by, the proportion of people requiring special mobility solutions will increase. Originality/Value: This article attempts to identify the determinants and specificities of urban mobility of older people in Poland. Such an approach, which has the characteristics of a case study for Polish conditions, may contribute to the enrichment of the literature, in which, on Polish soil, there are too few studies on the mobility of senior citizens.