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Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Daily Mobility of the Elderly Living in Small Cities in Lodz Province

Author

Listed:
  • Marta Borowska-Stefańska

    (Institute of the Built Environment and Spatial Policy, University of Lodz, 90-142 Lodz, Poland)

  • Maxim A. Dulebenets

    (Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Florida A&M University-Florida State University (FAMU-FSU), Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA)

  • Michał Kowalski

    (Institute of the Built Environment and Spatial Policy, University of Lodz, 90-142 Lodz, Poland)

  • Filip Turoboś

    (Institute of Mathematics, Lodz University of Technology, 93-590 Lodz, Poland)

  • Szymon Wiśniewski

    (Institute of the Built Environment and Spatial Policy, University of Lodz, 90-142 Lodz, Poland
    Research Center for European Spatial Policy and Local Development, University of Lodz, 90-142 Lodz, Poland)

Abstract

The article presents a study into the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the daily mobility of those over 60 residing in small towns in the Lodz Province. The study determines the impact on the trip destination, trip frequency, preferred means of transport, distance and duration of trips, and length of the target activity. To achieve these objectives, a survey was conducted using the CATI technique (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing), which comprised 500 residents of small towns in the Lodz Province aged 60+, who were divided into three classes of small towns (by population size). In order to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the daily mobility of those over 60, the tools the authors decided to use descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing. Overall, the pandemic was found to have had only a minor impact on the changes in transport behavior of those over 60 in small towns. Only 9% of respondents declared any effect on their daily mobility. The impact mainly involved a reduction in travel time and frequency, primarily among the oldest residents. Since a low level of daily mobility leads to low social activity, especially for the elderly—with a consequent sense of loneliness or even depression-towns should take measures to improve the already poor situation, one that has been further exacerbated by the pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Marta Borowska-Stefańska & Maxim A. Dulebenets & Michał Kowalski & Filip Turoboś & Szymon Wiśniewski, 2023. "Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Daily Mobility of the Elderly Living in Small Cities in Lodz Province," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(9), pages 1-23, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:9:p:5752-:d:1142059
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