Exploring the Heterogeneity of the Travel Behavior of the Elderly in the Kumamoto Metropolitan Area Based on Latent Class Analysis

Globally, the elderly population is growing, particularly in Japan. The travel characteristics of the elderly vary and differ significantly from those of other populations. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate the heterogeneity in the elderly population in Kumamoto, Japan. Data from the 2012 household travel survey in the Kumamoto metropolitan area were analyzed using latent class analysis. Trips were classified into nine categories based on the travel purpose and were used as indicators. Five heterogeneous subgroups were identified: inactive seniors, seniors with essential living needs, senior commuters, seniors with high shopping needs, and active seniors. Senior females traveled diversely and had higher social needs, whereas senior males tended to continue working. Health-confident seniors were found to be more active than others. These results indicate that it is important to consider the heterogeneity in the elderly population while transportation planning.