Background

Life-space mobility, i.e., the frequency and independence of transferring to different life-spaces (extending from a person’s bedroom to places beyond hometown), is evident to decrease in later life with potential risk of restricted participation in daily activities and social life. Modes of transport support participation through life-space mobility differently, and older men and women tend to choose different modes. The aim was to identify differences in participation in daily activities and social life related to life-space mobility and gender.

Methods

Data included the Life-Space Assessment (LSA), transportation, activities of daily living, and community activities. Participants living in their own housing in Sweden (n=312; 147 men, 165 women), aged 75+ (mean age 80), were randomly selected from a population register.

Result

LSA total score differed significantly (p<0.001) between men (mean=72) and women (mean=58), and between different modes of transport (p<0.001) with bike users (mean=79) and car drivers (mean=77) reaching the highest LSA total scores. Gender differences were evident related to mode of transport (p<0.001), with men predominantly (74%) driving their own car, while women were driving (32%), going by car as a passenger (32%) or used public transportation (21%). Participation in community activities did not differ significantly between genders, but between LSA total scores (p<0.001). For example, LSA total score was lower for persons taking part in no (mean=55) compared to five (mean=84) community activities at least once a month.

Conclusion

Life-space mobility is vital to consider when aiming to support continuing participation in daily activities and social life.