Travel Characteristics and Factors Affecting Travel Behavior of the Elderly

Abstract

The elderly people of age 60 years old and above have been steadily increasing over the past three decades. Demographic structure of Thai society has turned to be an ageing society. This stimulated us to consider more seriously about the elderly in order to live together with a good quality of life. This research is aimed to understand the travel characteristics and factors affecting travel behavior of the elderly in daily life. There are 50 sampled elderly, consisting of 29 males and 21 females. The data collection was carried out by interviewing the elderly directly or the care giver about age, revenue, travel frequency, trip purpose, travel mode, expenses, distance, travel time, number of companions as well as level of convenience and level of comfort. The analysis results show that most trips were for non-work purposes such as healthcare, tourism, visiting relatives and shopping etc. Most elderly travel by private car along with family companions such as children, nephew and spouse. The average travel distance is 28 kilometers. The average travel time is 44 minutes. The average travel expense is 227 baht. On average, the elderly people perceive high to highest convenience and comfort during their travel. Probably, this is because they travel by private vehicles along with companions. The major factor affecting travel frequency is the total out-of-pocket expense, distance and number of companions. This research indicates that travel management for the elderly should emphasize on the quality of travel rather than the quantity of travel in order to promote their good quality of life.