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Residents asked to participate in online survey exploring mobility in York

Posted on 6 April 2016

Residents in York are being encouraged to take part in an online survey exploring mobility and wellbeing in older people.

Researchers map mobility routes in York

Co-Motion is a three year research project, led by the University of York, exploring mobility for older people who are going through changes in their lives, such as stopping work, becoming a grandparent, using a mobility scooter or becoming a carer.

Researchers have already worked with a group of older York residents to make maps of their journeys – using interactive touch tables to identify regular routes.

They highlighted places they enjoyed along the routes and the benefits they got from being active, but researchers also identified barriers and problems.

The researchers now want to widen the survey and include responses from residents of all ages and how they could be affected. In particular they want to know:

• Would these solutions also work for you?
• Would they cause you particular problems?
• Do you have any alternative solutions?

The 10 minute survey can be accessed here: co-motion.net

Dr Steve Cinderby, senior researcher based at the Stockholm Environment Institute in the Environment Department at York, said:  “Would the solutions that older people have identified be beneficial to other people in the city? Or if we implemented them would they cause big problems?

“Mobility is vital for accessing services, resources and facilities, for social participation and for avoiding loneliness. The design of the built environment has a key role to play in enabling - or frustrating - mobility.

Dr Cinderby added: “The results of the survey will be used to make recommendations on solutions relevant not just for older people - but a range of people - to make York a place that promotes mobility throughout someone’s life.”

“By talking to residents and finding out what works and what doesn’t work we are acquiring evidence that could influence policymakers in the future.”

The project is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

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