Poor transport links leave older people 'isolated'

Date: 28/3/2013

Thousands of Britain's pensioners feel isolated by a lack of suitable transport options in their local area, a report published by age charity WRVS has revealed.

The study of 342,000 people over the age of 75 found that 14 per cent have been affected by a reduction in public transport services while ten per cent now go out less as they have no way of travelling by themselves.

According to the report, a further nine per cent believe that they have lost their independence, with six per cent feeling lonely and five per cent believing they're isolated.

Commenting on the findings, David McCullough, WRVS Chief Executive, explained that senior members of the population should not be socially excluded because of poor transport options.

"Older people shouldn't be confined to their own homes simply because they can’t access transport," he said.

"Getting out and about is a basic necessity that many of us take for granted but this report shows it isn't so straightforward for older people who may have mobility issues and we know this can have a devastating impact on wellbeing."

Indeed, with 17 per cent of over-75s explaining that they do not use public transport because it doesn't cater for their disabilities, Mr McCullough added that improving services is vital to helping older people maintain a good quality of life and stay connected to their communities.

Further problems highlighted by the report were that 14 per cent of respondents feel they aren't able to make comments or complaints about local transport options, while seven per cent aren't fully aware of the travel choices that are available to them.

WRVS has also called for the relevant bodies to give greater consideration to the placement of bus stops, with the study finding that 18 per cent of over-75s are unable to manage the walk to their nearest stop.

Posted by Sarah Bailey

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