This paper discusses European research on older drivers published since 1985. It is not intended to be an exhaustive review, rather, the focus is on those issues that have been most topical during the past fifteen years. First, the paper deals with general efforts to integrate ageing into transport policy design. The emphasis is placed on differences in the European and American perspectives and discourse. Second, some research issues that have been topical in the European research agenda are reviewed, with a few examples of each. Third, a brief outline is given of newly emerging research issues of importance. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
The present study examined the association between selected demographic variables and community-related mobility of Finnish elderly citizens. A mail survey was sent to 2500 Finnish citizens aged 65 and over. The overall response rate was 62%. Mobility was measured in two dimensions: overt travel behaviour and unfulfilled travel needs. Several demographic variables had a clear association with both dimensions of mobility. Sub-groups with reduced mobility included women, rural residents, the oldest old, and those without a driver license. When the interactions of single demographic variables were controlled for, significant predictors for hindered mobility were absence of driver license and rural-type residing. The results indicate that the level of mobility varies among the elderly, and there are certain sub-groups with limited mobility, often those with less overall resources. The possibility to drive a private car is, at present, crucial for older persons' mobility, which has important implications both for further research and policy discussion. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.