Mobility-Related Behavioral Flexibility and Routines

Few empirical studies have explored psychological attitudes toward out-of-home mobility in old age. We aimed to validate an instrument to assess mobility-related behavioral flexibility and routines in the context of everyday mobility and successful aging. Data were gathered from face-to-face intervi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:GeroPsych 2022, Vol.35 (3), p.134-148
Main Authors: Penger, Susanne, Conrad, Kerstin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aging in Place
Attitudes
Behavior
Female
Human
Male
Older Adulthood
Physical Mobility
Well Being
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Few empirical studies have explored psychological attitudes toward out-of-home mobility in old age. We aimed to validate an instrument to assess mobility-related behavioral flexibility and routines in the context of everyday mobility and successful aging. Data were gathered from face-to-face interviews and travel diaries of 211 community-dwelling older adults (aged 65-92) in Germany. Analysis revealed sufficient reliability and confirmed the factorial and convergent validity of the instrument. Mobility-related behavioral flexibility predicted the number of daily trips, particularly by mobility-impaired participants, and was strongly linked to autonomy and to psychological well-being. However, a preference for routines predicted neither out-of-home mobility nor further outcomes. The results demonstrate the importance of mobility-related flexibility in maintaining an active and independent life in old age.
ISSN:1662-9647
1662-971X
DOI:10.1024/1662-9647/a000265