1. Rural mobility in later life; counteracting accessibility poverty with digital service solutions.
- Author
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Stjernborg, Vanessa and Lopez Svensson, Gustav
- Subjects
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DIGITAL technology , *GREENHOUSE gas mitigation , *SPARSELY populated areas , *RURAL poor , *LOCAL transit access , *OLDER people , *POVERTY - Abstract
• One of the most sparsely populated areas in Europe. • Long distances to services and other destinations for daily activities. • Two villages were selected due to ongoing DiSS initiatives. • The results support the idea that DiSS could be a viable solution to mitigate and counteract accessibility poverty in rural areas. • DiSS for reducing long-distance private car journeys in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. • Essential to support older people in adopting digital solutions for a more sustainable digital transition. Norrbotten region is one of the most sparsely populated areas in Europe, with often long distances to services. This paper aims to gain a deeper understanding of the everyday mobilities in later life in rural areas, and to assess to what extent digital service solutions (DiSS) can contribute to reduced accessibility poverty. The study focuses on how DiSS contribute to more equitable accessibility by means of a case study in two villages, selected due to implemented DiSS (store with digital locks, digital hubs, etc.). Interviews with older people and other informants show the potential of DiSS to counteract accessibility poverty by bringing services nearer to home and reducing the need for longer trips, while contributing to the creation of healthier and more resilient environments. If implemented carefully, DiSS can have the potential to contribute to the development of more transport-efficient and socially just societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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