Gender Differences in Mobility Adaptations of Senior Citizens: A Case Study of Yao City, Japan

This study investigates the factors influencing seniors' travel behaviors. One-hundred-ninety-three community-dwelling seniors in a Japanese city participated in a questionnaire survey. Twenty-one of them shared their travel experiences in interviews. Statistical analyses reveal gender differences in factors determining travel frequency. Qualitative analyses identify gender specific mobility adaptations in two domains: changes in social environments and maintaining means of travel. Men tend to focus on maintaining a driver's license, representing their social role as a provider, while women relate to adjustment to widowhood and travel safety. The results provide direction for community planning to promote active aging.