Work and social activities help older adults move more in their communities

What is it about?

This study examines what motivates older adults to leave their homes and how different activities shape how far they travel in daily life. Researchers followed the movements of over 1,100 older adults in Singapore for two weeks using a smartphone app that tracked where they went and recorded what they did at each location. The study identified common out-of-home activities and examined which ones were linked to larger areas of mobility. While errands and daily tasks were most frequent, activities related to work and social participation were more strongly associated with traveling farther and being more active in the community.

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Why is it important?

Being able to move around the community supports older adults’ independence, social connection, and ability to age in place. This study shows that not all outings are equally important—work-related and social activities play a key role in keeping older adults mobile, even if they happen less often. These findings can guide community planning, employment programs, and social initiatives to better support meaningful activities that help older adults stay engaged, active, and connected to society.