The Project

SMART-AGE – Sustainable Mobility and Accessibility for Resilient Transport in Aging Urban Environments

SMART-AGE addresses the pressing need to align urban mobility systems with the capabilities and preferences of older adults (65+). Using the 15-Minute City framework, which prioritizes active mobility and sustainable transport for daily needs, this project focuses on overcoming the unique challenges faced by an ageing population in transitioning from car ownership to shared and smart mobility.

Population ageing is an inevitable demographic trend, yet the barriers older adults encounter in adopting sustainable mobility solutions remain underexplored. Policies discouraging private car ownership thus often risk increasing social isolation among this group. SMART-AGE brings together interdisciplinary expertise in transport management, social gerontology, economics, and law to ensure mobility systems are inclusive.

The project investigates the factors behind car dependency among older adults and identifies conditions that could encourage their shift to shared mobility. By bridging the gap between the needs of older users and the services offered by providers, SMART-AGE contributes to socio-economic sustainability and inclusive urban design, fostering accessible and connected cities for all.