Mobility-Related Behavioral Flexibility and Routines: A Validation Study

Abstract

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.