Reducing the Risk of Older Persons on Mobility, Transport and Road Crossing - Reflection from Kolkata Megapolis

Physical decline is common in old age and is the major cause of decline in late age mobility. As a consequence of which, older persons prefer to perform locomotion tasks (associated with daily living) such as walking on level ground and climbing / descending stairs and transports, at a slower pace affecting their quality of movements. Mechanics of the living environment, if it remains unaltered or grows in complexity causes enhanced risk of injuries for senior citizens. Different European studies have highlighted this point adequately. Assistive technology is an important component to reduce such risk comprehensively. Gerontechnology is another area that addresses the broad scope of issues related to technology and ageing. The third important aspect is the Information and Communication Technology. (ICT) is strongly dependent on social cultural structure that moulds the individual attitudes and habits . The aim of this paper is to assess risk factors likely to be faced by the elderly within the home and outside. However, the objectives of this paper is to find out (i) the activities that may cause injuries, risk oriented physical movements both within the residence and outside, (ii) to highlight the areas and zones beyond one’s household that are mostly risk prone and (iii) to assess the user friendliness of assistive technology. The present study has been conducted in Kolkata, an eastern Indian mega polis. A total number of 100 aged individuals (both male and female) were selected following a suitable sampling frame. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Direct observations, face-to-face interview, and focus group discussion (FGD) were used for data collection. The study reveals the road conditions of Kolkata and the hazards of road crossings at important intersections of the city. It also shows the appalling public transport system unfavourable to the elderly. The other important feature is the use of mobile phone, television and computer which appear to have a plethora of complexities that the elderly do not accept as assistive technology. The study is conducted in the micro level. The way forward is to assess the risk factors faced by the elderly and to reduce these factors by framing a policy of action comprehensively.

• Corporate Authors:

  Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation

  302, Tower A, New Mandarin Plaza, 14 Science Museum Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon
  Hong Kong,   China 
• Authors:
  • Saumitra, Basu
  • Chakravarty, Indrani
  • Das, Prabir kr
  • Chakravarty, Samar
• Conference:
  • TRANSED 2010: 12th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons
  • Location: Hong Kong , China
  • Date: 2010-6-1 to 2010-6-4
• Publication Date: 2010

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 10p
• Monograph Title: TRANSED 2010: 12th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons, June 1-4, 2010

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aged; Aging (Biology); Assistive technology; Injuries; Mobility; Pedestrian movement; Pedestrian safety; Physical condition; Public transit; Risk assessment
• Uncontrolled Terms: Gerontechnology
• Geographic Terms: Kolkata (India)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Society; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01360871
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 25 2012 11:57AM