Good public transport is vital for combating loneliness among the
older generation, says a new report.
The decline in bus routes and good bus shelters is a key cause of
loneliness in older people says Lonely Nation Part 2: Ending
Loneliness Among Older People, a new report from the
Centre for Social Justice.
The report found that for older people, aged over 65, 70 and 75,
accessible transport was more important than safety or going on
holiday. This is in stark contrast to the general adult
population's imagined needs in later life, who believe that going
holiday will be more important.
Polling for the CSJ was conducted by Whitestone Insight and based
on a sample of over 2,000 UK adults.
The CSJ warn that a lack of bus routes is a key cause of
loneliness in older people. Particularly in rural areas, the
decline in bus routes has left many unable to access social
connections and enjoy the relationships that are essential to
human flourishing.
However, problems with public transport go beyond the number and
frequency of routes for elderly bus users.
Poorly designed stops and infrastructure are causing major
problems and contributing to a lack of confidence in using public
transport services with many in our older generations feeling
unable to use public transport if there was no overhanging
shelter or seats.
The experience and needs of older people are often forgotten by
local authorities determined to cut costs. Concerns highlighted
by the CSJ include:
“The issue with transport is not just the vehicle, it's the
bus stop without seats.”
“It's because of the vandalism that they're not willing to
put a bus shelter in.”
“Older people are forgotten; they are not taken into account
with planning.”
“There are surveys to gather thoughts for older people, but
they are all online. They keep being asked to give their views,
but nothing happens.”
The report makes several important recommendations to reverse
this worrying trend, including calling on the Department for
Transport to:
- Continue its commitment to create a transport network that
supports people's social connections.
- Work with local authorities to produce guidance for the
design of bus shelters to ensure they are accessible for older
people.
Josh Nicholson, Senior Researcher at the CSJ said:
“Our communities need decent, proper bus stops. Councils are
penny-pinching at the cost of older people's well-being.
“Disgraceful short-term planning and dwindling public transport
provision are isolating our older generation and causing rising
loneliness and mental health problems.”
