A study of spatial characteristics of elderly people returning driving licenses and they shaping area of daily activity in JAPAN

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K21589
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Human geography; Clothing life/Dwelling life
• Research Institution: National Institute of Technology, Toyota College
• Principal Investigator: TANAKA Kensaku 豊田工業高等専門学校, 一般学科, 講師 (20636469)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 免許返納 / 高齢者 / モビリティ / 都市 / 農山村

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study attempts to examine the spatial characteristics of elderly people returning the driving license in Japan and shaping area of daily activity in JAPAN. We researched Takarazuka city[a satellite city of Osaka and Kobe],suburb of Gifu city and rural areas[Kamikatsu town].
The results obtained are summarized as follows. 1)In Japan, we are see in an increasing in driving license return rates. We can see some trends in the return by area with very large cities leading the way and rural areas falling behind.2)Elderly people have reduced mobility and a shrinking area of daily activity. In city areas they are affected by public transport service levels and decreasing physical ability including a sense of insecurity. In rural areas, they affected by decreasing physical ability. But some elderly drivers have great confidence in their driving activity, and they have never made a habit of using public transport. There are many obstacles to the return of one's driving license.

Free Research Field

人文地理学