Urban mobility and healthy ageing

Decline in physical abilities: Changes in muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and aerobic capacity that impact mobility.
Sensory changes: Deterioration in vision, hearing, and spatial awareness that affect safety and independence in transport.
Intrinsic capacity: Introduction to the WHO^* concept of intrinsic capacity, which refers to an individual’s overall physical, mental, and sensory functioning and how it influences mobility in urban environments.

^* World Health Organization (WHO)

Urban infrastructure: Study of accessible ramps, sidewalks, adapted public transport, safe crossing zones, and proper lighting.
Universal Design: Principles of inclusive design that ensure accessibility for everyone, including older individuals with varying mobility levels.
Accessible public transport: Analysis of transport systems that facilitate easy access for individuals with reduced mobility (e.g., low-floor buses^*, elevators, and ramps).

^* buses with low-floor access

Digital solutions: The use of mobility apps, geolocation, or autonomous transport systems adapted to the needs of the elderly individuals.
Assistive mobility devices: Technologies such as smart canes, exoskeletons, and advanced wheelchairs that facilitate movement.
IoT^* and Smart Cities: How the Internet of Things and smart infrastructure can be used to improve elderly mobility (e.g., adaptive traffic lights or personalised routes).

^* Internet of Things (IoT)

Fear of falling and social isolation: The need to study how fear of falling affects mobility and social participation among the elderly.
Independence and autonomy: Strategies to maintain the independence of the elderly in terms of transport and mobility.
Psychological barriers: Explore the impact of conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s on the ability to move safely.

Urban mobility policies: Analyse policies that promote public transport use and active mobility (such as walking and cycling) among elderly populations.
Age-friendly cities: Study initiatives such as the WHO’s “Age-Friendly Cities” movement, which promotes more inclusive urban environments.
Urban planning and ageing: Analyse how urban planning can be improved to address the growing needs of ageing populations.

Walkability and healthy ageing: Analyse the impact of walkability on healthy ageing and the promotion of active mobility among the elderly.
Programmes promoting active mobility: Encourage the creation of urban spaces that promote physical activity among the elderly, such as accessible parks and safe walking routes.
Health promotion and fall prevention: Explore fall prevention and rehabilitation programmes that encourage safe mobility for the elderly.

Environmental challenges: Study the impact of adverse weather conditions (such as extreme heat or ice) on elderly mobility and possible urban solutions.
Air quality and mobility: The impact of air pollution and environmental factors on respiratory health and, consequently, the mobility of older individuals.

Community mobility programmes: Study local initiatives such as community carpooling systems, volunteer transport services, or mobility cooperatives for the elderly.
Shared mobility:Explore shared mobility models that are accessible and adapted to the needs of people with reduced mobility, such as car-sharing services or electric bikes.

Training programmes: Training for public transport drivers and raising public awareness about the specific mobility needs of the elderly.
Empowerment of elderly individuals:Teaching elderly individuals how to use new mobility technologies and how to demand more accessible public transport.

Opportunities for innovation: Identify emerging business areas focused on improving mobility for the elderly, such as startups providing adapted transport solutions or assistive devices.
Social entrepreneurship:Explore business models that address elderly mobility as an opportunity to create a positive social impact.

Summer School