Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

2004

Subject Area

Modes of Transport - Car - Driving, Population - Aged, Population - Elderly, Population - Retired drivers, Population - Seniors

Abstract

An aging population is the common demographic trend in developing countries. What has popularly been referred to as the 'baby boomer' generation, will soon be entering their retirement years. A generation of aging baby boomers will usher in new patterns of transport needs and choices among retiring Australians. This paper explores the potential urban car use characteristics of the baby boomer generation as they enter their retirment years, with a focus on the attitudes, values and aspirations that underpin these transport choices. First, a review of literature regarding the issue of ageing and transport choice as discussed; and second, preliminary results from a qualitative Sydney case study of recent retirees are presented. The shortcomings of the literature confirm that it is unlikely that the ageing baby boomers, with markedly differing capacities, expectation of retirement and experience of motorisation will display similar transports as the current generation of retirees and the elderly. The qualitative interviews explores the attitudes, values and aspirations of recent retirees and how these may underpin transport choices and a continued reliance on the car. The interviews illustrate a range of the social and cultural underpinning that contribute to transport choice and a retiring 'car culture'.