Call to help mobility study

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 Leeds residents to make maps of their journeys.

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

Researchers now want to widen the survey and include responses from residents of all ages and how they could be affected.

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.

“The results of the survey will be used to make recommendations on solutions relevant not just to older people - but a range of people - to make Leeds 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 policy makers in the future.”

The project is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The 10 minute online survey can be accessed via: co-motion.net.