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Towards a core-set of mobility measures in ageing research

BACKGROUND: Mobility is a key determinant and outcome of healthy ageing but its definition, conceptual framework and underlying constructs within the physical domain may need clarification for data comparison and sharing in ageing research. This study aimed to (1) review definitions and conceptual frameworks of mobility, (2) explore agreement on the definition of mobility, conceptual frameworks, constructs and measures of mobility, and (3) define, classify and identify constructs.METHODS: A three-step approach was adopted: a literature review and two rounds of expert questionnaires (n = 64, n = 31, respectively). Agreement on statements was assessed using a five-point Likert scale; the answer options 'strongly agree' or 'agree' were combined. The percentage of respondents was subsequently used to classify agreements for each statement as: strong (≥ 80%), moderate (≥ 70% and < 80%) and low (< 70%).RESULTS: A variety of definitions of mobility, conceptual frameworks and constructs were found in the literature and among respondents. Strong agreement was found on defining mobility as the ability to move, including the use of assistive devices. Multiple constructs and measures were identified, but low agreements and variability were found on definitions, classifications and identification of constructs. Strong agreements were found on defining physical capacity (what a person is maximally capable of, 'can do') and performance (what a person actually does in their daily life, 'do') as key constructs of mobility.CONCLUSION: Agreements on definitions of mobility, physical capacity and performance were found, but constructs of mobility need to be further identified, defined and classified appropriately. Clear terminology and definitions are essential to facilitate communication and interpretation in operationalising the physical domain of mobility as a prerequisite for standardisation of mobility measures.

Mobility Mentoring® in Alphen aan den Rijn

In een groeiend aantal publicaties is uitgewerkt hoe schulden en armoede de werking en ontwikkeling van onze hersenen beïnvloeden (WRR, 2017; Blair&Cybele Raver, 2016, Daminger et al., 2015, Pavetti, 2014). De publicaties vragen aandacht voor de dynamiek van chronische stress die mensen als het ware gijzelt om hun situatie met succes te ontgroeien. De taaiheid van de problematiek en het niet behalen van de beleidsdoelen zijn dus niet eenvoudig toe te schrijven aan een tekort aan motivatie bij de doelgroep. De inzichten over de effecten van schaarste op het cognitieve functioneren vormen de basis van de aanpak Mobility Mentoring®. Deze aanpak uit de Verenigde Staten is ontwikkeld door de organisatie EMPath en heeft als doel om economische zelfredzaamheid te bevorderen. Hoewel er op dit moment geen hard bewijs is voor de effectiviteit van Mobility Mentoring®, zijn er wel veelbelovende resultaten. Een grootschalige evaluatie door de Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families - een niet-gerandomiseerde vergelijking- liet zien dat deelnemers van Mobility Mentoring® op meer uitkomstmaten significante vooruitgang boekten dan deelnemers aan een ander programma (Washington State Department of Early Learning, 2016). Deze positieve uitkomsten waren in 2016 aanleiding voor de Hogeschool Utrecht en Platform31 voor een werkbezoek bij EMPath. Op basis van de verkregen inzichten en de beschikbare literatuur concludeerden de onderzoekers dat Mobility Mentoring® in Nederland kan bijdragen aan de doorontwikkeling van de dienstverlening voor mensen met multiproblematiek (Jungmann & Wesdorp, 2017).

Debate 6 - Inequalities – Mobility management as a tool for social inclusion

Mobility is also a social and economic need. The availability of transport options and the way they are offered may pose various challenges for the mobility of citizens. The biggest challenge is to avoid social and spatial inequalities in urban and also rural areas, which include preventing discrimination against vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. These barriers are not only financial or technical, but also come from political, social and institutional factors. How can mobility management improve access to mobility? How to improve transport links to contribute to combating social exclusion?

Effe ViPP-en, campus mobility management plan BUas

Digital kiosks and inclusivity

Mobility hubs facilitate multimodal transport and have the potential to improve the accessibility and usability of new mobility services. However, in the context of increasing digitalisation, using mobility hubs requires digital literacy or even owning a smartphone. This constraint may result in the exclusion of current and potential users. Digital kiosks might prove to be a solution, as they can facilitate the use of the services found at mobility hubs. Nevertheless, knowledge of how digital kiosks may improve the experience of disadvantaged groups remains limited in the literature. As part of the SmartHubs project, a field test with a digital kiosk was conducted with 105 participants in Brussels (Belgium) and Rotterdam (The Netherlands) to investigate the intention to use it and its usability in the context of mobility hubs. This study adopted a mixed methods approach, combining participant observation and questionnaire surveys. Firstly, participants were asked to accomplish seven tasks with the digital kiosk while being observed by the researchers. Finally, assisted questionnaire surveys were conducted with the same participants, including close-ended, open-ended and socio-demographic questions. The results offer insights into the experience of the users of a digital kiosk in a mobility hub and the differences across specific social groups. These findings may be relevant for decision-makers and practitioners working in urban mobility on subjects such as mobility hubs and shared mobility, and for user interface developers concerned with the inclusivity of digital kiosks.

www.momaporta.eu