IMPACT OF AGE ON ACTIVE TRANSPORT HABITS IN URBAN RESIDENTS IN SLOVENIA Ajda Jelenc, National Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia Authors: Janet Klara Djomba, Ajda Jelenc, Zlatko Fras, Lijana Zaletel Kragelj

Background Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for chronic diseases (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer,…) in developed countries. Active transport, e.g. walking or cycling, offers an example of how to include PA into physically active lifestyle.

Older adults and active transport In later adulthood people may become less mobile and less able to take part in active transport. It is important to understand the barriers so that we can develop strategies and design effective interventions to help older adults meet both their exercise and mobility needs.

Objectives To assure that health promotion and transport planning activities are suitable for these needs, we need information on how transport patterns change with increasing age. In our study we examined whether active transport habits of urban residents depend on age.

Methods We used the data from the national health behaviour survey in the year The sample size was , the overall response rate 49%. Among questionnaires eligible for analysis were urban residents who were employed or students.

Analysed questions Physical activity on the way to work/study place an back home: Cycling: usual number of days within working week (possible answer: 0-5 days) Walking: usual number of days within working week (possible answer: 0-5 days)

Results

Percentage of employees/students cycling to work/study place

Percentage of employees/students walking to work/study place

Percentage of employees/students cycling to work/study place in different age groups

Percentage of employees/students walking to work/study place in different age groups

Conclusions

Our results show that older age groups cycle or walk to work more often than younger people and that walking is more frequent than cycling. This could indicate that older adults are more aware of the importance of physically active lifestyle and we can expect that they will continue cycling and walking after retirement.

We need to assure an infrastructure which allows safe walking and cycling for elderly, especially in bigger cities with heavy traffic. Traffic education is very important in all age groups: for younger to adopt safe and patient traffic behaviour and for older to keep them fit for traffic.

What are we doing in Slovenia in this field?

The problem is…. Fear and doubt in persons own traffic skills are the main barriers for choosing cycling as a mode of transport or leisure time PA. The only cycle training courses are offered for pupils in elementary schools. Sufficient cycling skills and knowledge about traffic are crucial for safe cycling, especially in older adults.

Safety cycle training for adults We have developed a unique cycling training course for adults, which includes lessons about: traffic safety, bike maintenance and first aid and practical training in real traffic situation. The training is a part of our activities for employees and seniors within the EU project LIFE CYCLE.

Thank you for your attention … and keep on cycling! Contact address: Janet Klara Djomba, MD, teaching assistant