Cidade e envelhecimento: a mobilidade urbana de pessoas idosas no transporte público de Manaus–AM

Abstract

Population aging, together with urban expansion, are global phenomena that have been occurring at an unprecedented pace, raising interest and concern among cities seeking to adapt their urban environments to achieve the standards of age-friendly cities. Within this context, urban mobility plays a central role in ensuring accessibility and the right to the city for different population groups, including older adults, who face daily challenges in using public transportation and accessing essential services. From this perspective, this study aimed to understand the urban mobility of older adults based on their lived experiences using the public transportation system in the city of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. Specifically, it sought to document their experiences, describe the facilitators and barriers they encounter, and identify the main demands and coping strategies adopted by this population. This qualitative study was conducted with older adults attending the Programa Idoso Feliz Participa Sempre (PIFPS), an extension program offered by the Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy at the Federal University of Amazonas (FEFF/UFAM). Data were collected using participatory methodologies, namely Participatory Mapping and the World Café technique. Data analysis was carried out using the IRaMuTeQ software in combination with Content Analysis. The urban mobility experiences reported by the older participants reveal a challenging urban context that places Manaus increasingly farther from the ideal of an age-friendly city. Environmental barriers present in residential neighborhoods and, more specifically, within the public transportation system, restrict safe accessibility, making mobility progressively more difficult for this population in the face of environmental pressures. Nevertheless, in their efforts to carry out daily activities and access the services available throughout the city, the participants demonstrated an active and resilient attitude, adopting strategies to cope with the challenges imposed by an urban mobility system that is not age-friendly and to promote active and healthy aging. When reflecting on possible strategies to address the problems they experience, the participants emphasized the importance of empowering older adults to take a leading role in decision-making processes concerning urban changes that directly affect their mobility and accessibility. They also highlighted the need to create spaces for dialogue and collective engagement, enabling older adults to strengthen advocacy efforts and claim their right to the city, thereby contributing to making Manaus a more age-friendly city.