Mobility Planning Tool: Creating a Plan to Stay Mobile and Independent As We Age

Background:  In 2010, approximately 13% of the U.S. population (40 million people) were aged 65 and older. Every day more than 10,000 Baby Boomers turn age 65. By 2030 this age group is expected to increase to 72 million, representing 20% of the U.S. population. Most of these adults are aging in place, rather than moving to a retirement or nursing home. This presents a critical need to better prepare older Americans to preserve their mobility so they can stay independent longer.

Program background:  Whereas many people make financial plans for retirement, not everyone plans for other changes that may come with age. Due to physical changes and an increasing number of chronic conditions associated with aging, older adults’ mobility can be compromised from an actual or perceived increased risk of injuries from falls and motor vehicle crashes. To address this issue, CDC developed the Mobility Planning Tool (MPT) to assist older adults (ages 60-74) in planning for future changes in their mobility with the goal of maintaining optimal, injury-free mobility as they grow older. Development of this tool shows how scientific evidence can be used to develop interventions for an underserved population in emerging areas of public health.

Evaluation Methods and Results:  The MPT was informed by the Transtheoretical Stages of Change model and data from focus groups and surveys with older adults. A four-page mobility assessment tool was developed with questions designed to identify current and future mobility needs and challenges for older adults. An evaluation questionnaire, administered by phone to 1000 respondents age 60-74 years, measured mobility-related attitudes, beliefs and opinions. Respondents also had the opportunity to provide feedback on the tool. Prior to reviewing the tool,  the respondents’ average score (scale of 1-not at all to 5-very much) for thinking about mobility was 2.5, thinking about protecting mobility was 2.6, confident about knowing how to protect mobility was 3.5, and motivated to protect mobility was 4.2.  After reviewing the tool, respondents reported being significantly more likely to think about mobility (3.4), think about protecting mobility (3.8), and confident about knowing how to protect mobility (4.2). This suggests a strong increase in attitudes towards mobility.  The most frequently reported challenges to mobility were driving and other transportation barriers (51%) and physical mobility (18%). Over 90% of respondents found the tool understandable and easy to complete with two-thirds finding the tool relevant and interesting.  

Conclusions:  Older adults tolerated a short assessment of their mobility needs, which increased their awareness of mobility challenges.  With this information, they reported more confidence in their ability to preserve their mobility as they age. The planning tool is a vehicle for education and moving older adults from pre-contemplation, to contemplation and action in planning to address future mobility needs.

Implications for research and/or practice:  Using education to bridge the gap between older adults’ beliefs, such as “falls are an inevitable consequence of aging” and evidence-based prevention measures they can implement, can help older adults prepare for potential mobility changes they will face as they age.